Health Center provides counseling, resources to prevent suicide

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 15 and 24, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. \nIt has not left IU unaffected.\nThe IU Health Center is trying to inform students about counseling and other services it offers for students suffering from depression or who are suicidal, said Nancy Buckles, director of Counseling and Psychological Services. The Health Center wants to let people know help is available to prevent suicide.\nPolice believe Bradley Henninger, 22, of Pittsburgh, committed suicide last week, the second suicide death this year at IU. \nIU has averaged one suicide per year for the last five years, Buckles said. She said this year there have been two suicides on and around campus.\nBuckles said the Health Center offers counseling for individuals and groups. All of the records at the Health Center are confidential.\n"It's important for students to know they have a place to come and talk confidentially without fear the information will be passed on," Buckles said.\nBut friends and family also have an important role, according to the CaPS Web site.\nThe Web site says friends and family can recognize the signs that someone might be depressed: loss of interest in work or other activities, a tendency to withdraw, and sad moods.\nDean of Students Richard McKaig said faculty members are taught how to identify students who appear to be going through emotional difficulty and how to get them help. McKaig said resident assistants and friends are also on the first line of defense for students experiencing depression.\nThe CaPS office, on the fourth floor of the Health Center, offers student counseling from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with walk-in service available. Buckles said Health Center costs are inexpensive and most students get two free visits a year.\nIn addition, Buckles said the Mental Health Association offers a "listening line," at 332-6060, which offers counseling 6 p.m.-midnight Monday through Thursday.