ASK the Question: Kurt's True Story of Help & Hope for College Suicide Prevention

Summary

In a poignant reflection, Kurt shares his experience of recognizing a friend's suicidal thoughts during a casual gathering. Concerned for his friend's well-being, Kurt and his companions bravely reached out to a social worker for help, prioritizing their friend's life over their fears of intruding on her personal time. This decisive action led to vital support for their friend, who was struggling with bullying and the pressures of his sexual orientation. Kurt emphasizes the importance of acknowledging warning signs and taking action, urging others to reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in times of crisis.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kurt recently completed his undergraduate degree and is about to start grad school.
• 👥 Building friendships is important; Kurt made efforts to connect with people in his new community.
• 💔 A friend expressed feelings of hopelessness and questioned his future during a casual gathering.
• ❓ Kurt and his friends recognized potential signs of suicidal thoughts and decided to intervene.
• 📞 They reached out to a social worker for professional help, showing the importance of seeking assistance.
• 🕒 The situation occurred late at night on a weekend, highlighting the urgency of the matter.
• 👂 Staying with the friend until help arrived demonstrated the value of support and companionship.
• 🏳️‍🌈 The friend faced pressures related to his sexual orientation, which contributed to his distress.
• 💪 Taking action to help someone in crisis can lead to positive outcomes and recovery.
• 📞 If you notice warning signs in a friend, don't hesitate to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

Q & A

What prompted Kurt to share his story?

Kurt shared his story to raise awareness about recognizing the warning signs of suicidal thoughts and the importance of taking action to help friends in need.

What significant event had Kurt recently experienced?

Kurt had recently completed his undergraduate degree and was about to start grad school.

What were Kurt and his friends doing when they first heard their friend's concerning statement?

They were hanging out together at a friend's apartment, enjoying a typical summer college student experience.

What concerning statement did a friend of a friend make?

He expressed that he didn’t see himself having a future, living long, or having a profession or a family.

How did Kurt and his friends respond to their friend's concerning statement?

They began asking questions to understand his feelings better and eventually asked him directly if he had thought about suicide.

What was notable about the friend's response when Kurt asked about suicide?

The friend did not provide a clear 'yes' or 'no' answer, which indicated to Kurt that he might be in a serious crisis.

What action did Kurt and his friends decide to take after realizing the gravity of the situation?

They decided to call a social worker for help, recognizing they were not equipped to provide the necessary support themselves.

Why was it difficult for Kurt and his friends to make the call to the social worker?

It was late at night and a weekend, meaning they would be contacting her during her personal time, which made the situation more daunting.

What were some of the pressures the friend was facing that led to his suicidal thoughts?

He faced pressures related to his sexual orientation, including bullying in high school and the fear of losing social support as he transitioned to a new phase in life.

What was the outcome for the friend after receiving help?

After receiving help from supportive services, he is now thriving and pursuing his dreams, demonstrating significant personal growth.