The Jed Foundation was founded in 2000 by Donna and Phil Satow after they lost their son Jed to suicide. While trying to learn more about suicide and make sense of their unthinkable loss, the Satows discovered an urgent and unmet need for programming and resources that helped colleges, students and parents recognize and address the signs of emotional distress and suicide.
The organization’s first program, ULifeline, launched in 2000 and has become a widely used online resource for college mental health with campus-specific information for over 1,250 schools. Through the guidance of respected experts in the fields of mental health and higher education, The Jed Foundation has become the leading nonprofit organization addressing issues related to mental health and suicide in the college population.
Every year an estimated 1100 college students die by suicide. For many more students, their path to graduation and a productive life will be interrupted by struggles with emotional distress. Our goal is to help more of these students survive and thrive at college.
Most people who are suicidal desperately want to live but are unable to find another way to cope with their thoughts or feelings. Almost all college students who die by suicide are suffering from an emotional disorder, most commonly depression. Other emotional problems can increase the risk for suicide too, such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, substance abuse or eating disorders.
Identifying and treating these illnesses is especially important because someone with an untreated emotional disorder may be more likely to attempt suicide in the wake of a stressful event such as a death, relationship difficulties or a failed exam.
Know the Warning Signs
The most effective way to prevent suicide is to know the warning signs, take those signs seriously, and respond appropriately. People who are suicidal can be helped with the proper treatment. Common warning signs of suicide include:
• Hopelessness
• Rage, uncontrolled anger, or seeking revenge
• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
• Feeling trapped – like there’s no way out
• Increased alcohol or drug use
• Withdrawing from friends, family and society
• Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
• Dramatic mood changes
• Expressing no reason for living or no sense of purpose in life
If you witness, hear or see anyone exhibiting the signs above, get help IMMEDIATELY by contacting a mental health professional or calling 9-1-1 or The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).
Campus Resources
Help is available on or around campuses through the following resources:
•Student counseling center
•Student health service
•Resident hall director, dean, academic advisor, tutor, or faculty
•Campus religious or spiritual leader
•Community mental health center
• Local crisis center or hotlines
In an Emergency
If you cannot reach the contacts listed above during a crisis:
•Take the individual to an emergency room or mental health walk-in clinic
• Do not leave the person alone until professional help is with him/her
• Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs, or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt
As a parent of 2 college aged young people I find this very compelling. Young Adulthood is a very difficult time under the best of circumstances, It is people like Donna & Phil who amaze me! Those who dig down deep and find the fortitude to turn their personal tragedy into something greater - Thank you Satow family for fighting the good fight to help other young people and families.
Get Involved:
Donate to The Jed Foundation.
Donate from your mobile phone. Text ONMYMIND to 20222 to donate $10 to The Jed Foundation.
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The Jed Foundation on FaceBook.
And as always... pass this information along to anyone you know who may need it.
Source: The Jed Foundation
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