Overview
A national poll administered in 2022 revealed that while the majority of survey respondents would intervene if someone close to them was struggling with their mental health (94%) or struggling with thoughts of suicide (96%), approximately 67% identified multiple barriers that prevent them from discussing suicide with others, including:
- Being afraid they would make the person feel worse (29%)
- Not being the right person/thinking someone else might be better (25%)
- Being afraid that talking about it would increase the person’s likelihood of attempting suicide (24%)
In addition, 94% of survey respondents believe suicide is preventable. Everyone can help to prevent suicide by learning about risk factors and warning signs, promoting resiliency and protective factors, as well as being knowledgable about local mental health resources.
The Center for Student Health and Counseling, in partnership with PSU students and Aedin Powell Media, developed a suicide prevention training course called “Care. Ask. Connect.” that is available via Canvas. By participating in this 2-hour asynchronous course, you can become a vital part of PSU's movement to increase awareness around suicide prevention and mental health.
The first four modules contain core suicide prevention training content, including: prevalence and data, myths and facts, risk factors and warning signs of suicidality, how to ask the suicide question, as well as information about on- and off-campus resources. Modules 5-8 build on this core content, focusing specifically on key considerations for communities who experience elevated risk of suicidality, including: military-affiliated, autistic, LGBTQIA2S+, and international students.
After completing this training, you will be equipped to provide support to someone who is experiencing thoughts of suicide and/or struggling with their mental health.
Join the Suicide Prevention Community
The National College Health Assessment 2022 data for PSU revealed that providing students, faculty, and staff with the knowledge and tools to provide support to someone experiencing a mental health crisis is essential.
Become part of a campus-wide team as an advocate for suicide prevention. Take the 2-hour asynchronous course to take action in the fight to end suicide.
If you do not currently have a Canvas account, or if you have a non-PSU Canvas account: Access Care. Ask. Connect. via the Canvas public server! You'll be prompted to include your email and full name to create a free account, and then you will have access to the course.
How to Register
- Log into Portland State Canvas.
- PSU Faculty, Staff & Students click the “PSU Login” button using your Odin Account information.
- After completing the dual authentication process, you will reach the Canvas homepage. Next, select “Self Registration” which is located on the top navigation bar.
- Select “Click here to begin registering for a course” to access the list of courses available.
- Scroll down and select the “Care. Ask. Connect.” Suicide Prevention Training.
- You’ve now successfully accessed the training; begin and proceed at your own pace.