Lancaster Bible College Athletics

Student Mental Health & Wellness

Counseling & Care Center
C3 Referral Network 


General Signs & Symptoms
Suicide Prevention
Question the Person About Suicide. Do they have thoughts? Feelings? Plans? Do not be afraid to ask ·  If in doubt, don’t wait, ask the question  ·  If the person is reluctant, be persistent · Talk to the person alone in a private setting · Allow the person to talk freely · Give yourself plenty of time· Have your resources handy
  Persuade the Person to Get Help.
· Listen carefully, without judgement · Offer: “Let me help.” or, “Are you willing to work with me to find help?” or “How can I help you keep safe while we find help?” · Do not leave the person alone  · Ask them to allow you to hold on to any items they have access to such as pills, rope or a gun ·Persist in statements that suicide is not the only solution and suggest that better alternatives can be found. · Show respect. · Focus on healthy solutions to problems, not the suicide solution. · Collaborate with the person and assure them of your ongoing support. · Accept the reality of the person’s pain, but offer alternatives ·  Offer hope in any form and any way.

 Refer for Help.
Use resources below, plus any others available in the student’s world that can offer support. 

Information from qprinstitute.com
   
Resources:
On Campus:
C3
Student Affairs
Nurse/Health Services
Campus Safety
 
 Off campus:
Crisis lifeline call/text 9-8-8
LGH
9-1-1
 
 
Warning Signs of Suicide
· Suicide threats · Previous attempts · Alcohol & drug abuse · Statements revealing a desire to die · Sudden changes in behavior · Prolonged depression · Making final arrangements · Giving away prized possessions · Purchasing a gun or stockpiling pills

To Save a Life...
· Realize some might be suicidal · Reach out. Asking the suicide question DOES NOT increase risk · Listen. Talking things out can save a life · Do not try to do everything yourself, get others involved · Do not promise secrecy and do not worry about being disloyal · If persuasion fails, call the crisis line 988 or emergency service
 

Call/ text local crisis lifeline at 9-8-8

For more information www.qprinstitute.com, www.samhsa.gov or www.nimh.nih.gov

MOST COMMON MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS IN STUDENT- ATHLETES:
Signs and symptoms to look out for suggesting additional help is necessary
General Signs and Symptoms Indicating Possible Mental Health Problems:

Behavioral Symptoms	Cognitive Symptoms
Disruption of daily activities Social withdraw Irresponsibility, lying Legal issues, fighting, difficulty with authority Decrement in sport or academic performance Substance use	Suicidal thoughts Poor Concentration Confusion/Difficulty making decisions Obsessive Thoughts All-or-nothing thinking Negative self- talk
Emotional/ Psychological Symptoms	Physical/ Medical Symptoms
Feeling out of control Mood swings Excessive worry/fear Agitation/irritability Low self- esteem Lack of Motivation	Sleep difficulty Change in appetite and/or weight Shaking, trembling Fatigue, tiredness, weakness Gastrointestinal complaints, headaches Overuse injuries

 
 
 
 
 
 

Mood Disorders (or depression) are characterized by:	Anxiety Disorders are characterized by:
Low or sad moods, often with crying episodes Irritability or anger Feeling worthless, helpless and hopeless Eating and Sleeping disturbance (increase or decrease) A decrease in energy and activity levels with feelings of fatigue and tiredness Decreases in concentration, interest, or motivation Social withdrawal or avoidance Negative Thinking Thoughts of death or suicide In severe cases, intent to commit suicide with specific plan, followed by one or more suicide attempts	Excessive worry, fear or dread Sleep disturbances, especially difficulty falling asleep Changes in appetite, including either an increased need to eat when anxious or eating due to anxiety Feelings ranging from general uneasiness to complete immobilization Pounding heart, sweating, shaking or trembling Impaired concentration A feeling of being out of control Fear that one is dying or going crazy A disruption of everyday life
Types of Eating Disorders/Identification:	Substance – Related Disorders
General: Often worsen during transitional periods; triggered by dietary restraints (dieting) for weight loss, more prevalent in sports that emphasize a thin body size or low weight Anorexia nervosa (anorexia): self- starvation syndrome; most anorexic individuals also engage in excessive exercise making it difficult to determine or identify in SA. Bulimia nervosa (bulimia): binge/purge syndrome in which individuals ingest food then “purge” it usually through self-induced vomiting, laxative/diuretic abuse or excessive exercise.  Binge eating: eating large quantity of food without purging.	Alcohol: decrease in concentration, coordination, reaction timing, strength, power and endurance, irresponsibility regarding commitments or responsibilities to sport, school and relationships Stimulant- Type Substances – Amphetamines, Cocaine, Ephedrine and Medications for Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): nervous or jittery, negative affect on motor coordination and concentration, shakiness, rapid speech or movements, difficulty sitting still, difficulty concentration, lack of appetite, sleep disturbance and irritability. Marijuana: slow reaction timing, impair motor and eye-hand coordination, affect time perception, red eyes, paraphernalia related to marijuana use, scales for weighing the drug, lethargy and increased appetite. Anabolic Steroids: size and musculature of the body; personality changes including anger and aggression

 
 


Suicide | QPR Resource