Content Warning: Suicide
If you are worried about yourself or someone you know please call U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or C.A.P.S on-call number 610-328-7768
At around 7:10 am on October 28, a sixteen-year-old girl died by suicide when she was hit by a SEPTA train near the Swarthmore train station. She was a student at Strath Haven High School.
Director of Public Safety Michael Hill confirmed that Public Safety responded to the event and coordinated with the Swarthmore Borough Police as well as SEPTA transit police.
“It is times like these when our combined and ongoing efforts to support the community are most apparent and demonstrate our strong partnership and commitment to working together. I encourage any member of our community to reach out for assistance and resources by contacting [C.A.P.S.], their Dean, the [RCCs], [RAs] or religious and spiritual life or Carebridge, the College’s employee assistance program,” wrote Hill in an email.
Reportingonsuicide.org lists these as warning signs to watch for:
- Talking about wanting to die
- Looking for a way to kill oneself
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious, agitated or recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
Reportingonsuicide.org also says “the more of these signs a person shows, the greater the risk. Warning signs are associated with suicide but may not be what causes a suicide. If you or someone you know are exhibiting warning signs of suicide”:
- Do not leave the person alone
- Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt
- Call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255)
- Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional
