Suicide Prevention

The following indicators can be important signs of distress.

You may notice a cadet exhibiting one or more of the academic, physical, or emotional signs and decide that something is wrong or you may have a “gut-level feeling” that something is amiss. If the latter is the case, don’t dismiss your feelings or feel that you need to wait for tangible “proof” that a problem exists. A simple check-in with the cadet may help you get a better sense of his/her situation.

It is possible that any one of these signs, in and of itself, may simply mean that a cadet is having an “off” day. Consider consulting with a colleague, supervisor, the CCC, or other trusted member of the VMI community to share your observations and discuss how you might respond (see below).

Academic signs

• Deterioration in quality/quantity of work
• A negative change in classroom or research performance (e.g., drop in grades)
• Missed assignments or exams
• Repeated absences from class or from lab
• Disorganized or erratic performance
• Decline in enthusiasm in class (e.g., no longer choosing a seat in the front of the room)
• Cadet sends frequent, lengthy, “ranting” or threatening types of emails to professors
• Continual seeking of special provisions (e.g., late papers, extensions, postponed exams, and projects)

Physical signs

• Falling asleep in class or other inopportune times
• A dramatic change in energy level (either direction)
• Worrisome changes in hygiene or personal appearance
• Significant changes in weight
• Frequent state of alcohol intoxication (i.e., bleary-eyed, hung-over, smelling of alcohol)
• Noticeable cuts, bruises or burns on cadet

Emotional signs

• Inappropriate emotional outbursts (unprovoked anger or hostility, sobbing)
• Exaggerated personality traits; more withdrawn or more animated than usual
• Expressions of hopelessness, fear or worthlessness; themes of suicide, death and dying in papers/projects
• Direct statements indicating distress, family problems, or other difficulties

When you notice a cadet in distress, your response can make all the difference. The only real risk is to do nothing.

If you have a relationship with the cadet (even the smallest degree of rapport) and notice signs of distress, try talking with him or her directly. Begin the conversation by expressing your concern. 

If you do not really know the cadet but notice signs of distress or are aware of a pattern of concerning behaviors, you can consult with us on how to address your concerns.

In any given situation, there are several “right ways” to reach out in a caring manner.

Consider these suggestions for a direct conversation with a cadet:

• Ask the cadet if you can schedule a one-on-one meeting.
• Let someone else in your department or office know about the scheduled meeting so they can be available if necessary.
• Tell the cadet what behaviors you have noticed that have you concerned, and express concern about them. (“I’ve noticed you’ve missed class three times in the past two weeks.”)
• Avoid “why” questions, which may be perceived as judgmental.
• Ask open-ended questions. (“Tell me a bit more about how things are going for you this semester: What’s been difficult? Satisfying…”)
• Listen to the cadet’s response. You need not be scared off by an emotional response. Talking about a problem, or labeling a crisis, does not make it worse. It is the first step toward resolving it. Be patient. Don’t give up if the cadet doesn’t talk easily.
• Allow the cadet to tell his/her story. Allow silences if they occur. Sometimes what follows can be especially productive.
• Restate what you have heard so that the cadet will know you understand.
• Suggest resources and offer hope
• Encourage the cadet to utilize available resources (dyke, CCC, academic advisor, chaplain services, etc.)
• Convey to the cadet that asking for help is a sign of strength.
• Suggest a “one time” visit to speak with a counselor at the CCC.
• Call the CCC, for consultation and advice about next steps.

Kognito Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Training

This website is available to cadets and faculty/staff through the VMI Portal. (Login and enter “suicide” in search box.  Suicide Prevention Training link will be the first item listed.)

An interactive role-play simulation for faculty and staff and cadets that builds awareness, knowledge, and skills about mental health and suicide prevention, and prepares users to lead real-life conversations with students that build resilience, strengthen relationships and connect them with support.

Learning Goals and Objectives:

• Increase knowledge and awareness about mental health and suicide
• Identify warning signs of psychological distress, including verbal, behavioral, and situational clues
• Lead conversations with students to discuss concerns, build resilience and increase connectedness
• Assess the need for referral, motivate the student to seek help, and make a warm hand-off to support
• Understand the school’s specific process for student referral and counseling services
• Faculty and staff are provided with an overview of Kognito during training throughout the year and at new faculty & Staff orientations.  They are encouraged to access the online resource through the CCC webpage.

At-Risk for Faculty / Staff:  Users are introduced to their virtual coach and learn about psychological distress, how it impacts college students and what they can do when they are concerned about a student.

At-Risk for Cadets:  Users are introduced to their virtual coach and learn about psychological distress, how it impacts, college students, and what a peer can do when they’re concerned about a friend.

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR):  

QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention is designed to teach lay and professional “gatekeepers” the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond. 

Learning Goals and Objectives:

• How to Question, Persuade and Refer someone who may be suicidal
• How to get help for yourself or learn more about preventing suicide
• The common causes of suicidal behavior
• The warning signs of suicide
• How to get help for someone in crisis

If you are interested in QPR training, please contact cadetcounseling@vmi.edu to receive an access code and password.