Local college holds suicide prevention training

Suicide is a sensitive topic that not a lot of us talk about, but in recent years statistics show that it should be a topic of conversation.

To address this important issue, a local college is holding a training session to try and help those who need someone to talk to.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the United States for people the ages of 15 to 34.

The American Foundation for Suicide Awareness says there are many factors that could cause someone to have suicidal thoughts, but at the forefront is stress from school.

For this reason, Arizona Western College held a training session to help those in need.

The theme for the session was Question, Persuade, and Refer.

Experts say these are three steps that can anyone can learn to help save a life.

” It’s just important to let them know that there’s help out there for you, I could direct you to some help, to help you with your situation that you’re in ” says Andreina Cabrera who is a student at the college.

A recent study associated with Harvard Medical School says one in five college students have suicidal thoughts, and experts think this has to do with the amount of emotional stress they go through as they enter the workforce.

“You go from a high school student to college in a matter of months, and not knowing how life is, so it’s a stressor for them, just that gradual change, and different type of coursework” says Carmen Cordero who is also a student at the school.

And while someone is going through those changes, therapists say it’s better to approach them directly and offer help.

Dezarae Salin Angulo says, “We never know what can happen, and say we wake up the next day, and that person’s gone, and we’re like we didn’t do anything, we didn’t take any action” ..