Artemis Phoenix

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 17:34:00 GMT

Counseling program addresses suicide
December 10, 2007

The UCF Counseling Center is working to put a stop to what has been proven to be the second leading cause of death among college students: suicide.

Five UCF students have received medical attention this year as a result of trying to take their own lives, according to police records.

The Counseling Center saw 899 students from the beginning of the semester until Dec. 6, said David L. Wallace, director of the Counseling Center. "And 150 of those, almost 17 percent, reported having current or recent thoughts of suicide at the time of their initial visit," Wallace said.

Since the summer of 2006, the Counseling Center has been working with faculty and students in a program called "Question, Persuade, Refer." The program addresses the proper way to respond to someone who may be suicidal.

According to UCF Police Department records, 35 students have been Baker Acted since January 2007.

The Baker Act is a Florida statute that gives police officers, mental health professionals and doctors permission to hospitalize for up to 72 hours anyone they deem dangerous to themselves or others.

"Our Baker Acts seem to be down this year," said Jeff Novak, associate director of Housing and Residence Life.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students, but it's also the most preventable, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The leading cause is any kind of accident, including traffic, drug or alcohol-related accidents.

Wallace said that the number of suicides may be underrepresented because suicide is not always clearly defined.

Incidents classified as accidents may actually be suicides, such as an alcohol or drug overdose or fatal car crashes involving solitary drivers, Wallace said.

Suicidal people are consciously aware of their thoughts. People can feel like they are at the "bottom of the well" and that there are "no other options," Wallace said.

But it's important for people to know that there is help. There are no truly hopeless situations, he said.

Despite suicide being the second leading cause of death among college students, people who are not in college are twice as likely to commit suicide, according to the book College of the Overwhelmed: The Campus Mental Health Crisis and What To Do About It, by Richard D. Kadison and Theresa Foy DiGeronimo.

Wallace said this is because college students are getting an education, which is an investment into their future. Most of the time, they know where they are going, he said.

Also, students have a larger support system. They have family, friends, roommates and faculty to talk to, whereas those outside of college have much less support.

With all the positives of the college experience, it may seem like suicide shouldn't occur on campus, but it does.

The population of college students is growing, said Cpl. James Roop, community relations office for the UCF Police Department, and that mental illness starts to come out between the ages of 17 and 26 - the typical age range for college students.

A predisposition to depression may cause some students to harbor intense feelings of worthlessness, leading them to want those feelings to end.

Feelings of loneliness can give students the idea that they are worthless. Also, desperation, stress, pressure, performance anxiety, family problems and break-ups may lead to suicide.

Either one or a combination of these feelings can cause a person to end their own life just so they can avoid the problem, Wallace said.

When finals and the end of a semester come, fewer students visit the Counseling Center because, "for some people, the challenge of finishing the semester may bring a more positive mood, at least in the short term, in being aware that the semester has an ending to it with a break afterward," Wallace wrote in an e-mail.

He said that the peak time for students to get help is mid-semester, around October or early November.

Since the Virginia Tech massacre in April 2007, there is "more of an awareness" of others and of potential problems, Roop said.

When the Police Department receives a phone call from friends, family or teachers about a student who is contemplating suicide, officers trained in crisis intervention are sent to assess the situation and decide the best course of action, UCF Police Officer Earl Cowan said.

The UCF PD currently has 10 to 12 officers who have been through crisis intervention training. Whenever shifts are decided, at least two officers who have been trained in crisis situations are scheduled for each shift, Roop said.

When the officers arrive at the scene, they interview the person so they can act as another judge of the situation, Roop said. He said that sometimes misunderstandings occur between people and the officer is a neutral outsider.

Those who have the warning signs of someone who would commit suicide need to be aware of the importance of telling someone, knowing that there is support and asking for help, Wallace said.

Wallace said that "suicidal thinking can be in quite a wide range … with no intention or plan to carry through with any action, all the way to having thoughts with a plan for suicide along with intention to carry out the plan."

The UCF PD is working with the Counseling Center, Victim Services, Housing and other on-campus organizations in an effort to prevent suicide, Roop said.

The Counseling Center has trained about 1,000 students, staff and faculty since the start of the program on campus how to catch the warning signs of suicide in a one-hour QPR course, Wallace said in an e-mail.

All 176 resident advisers have taken this program, along with additional counseling and helping courses, such as first aid and CPR, Housing's Novak said.

RAs should get to know their residents and always be available, Novak said. That way, if a resident begins to change their behavior, the RA can help identify the problem and get help.

Novak said that the training "has really helped many students get help."

The QPR program has three steps, and each one is essential to helping suicidal people.

QPR is like CPR. Just because you know it, it doesn't make you a medical expert, Novak said. But it helps people know where to start.

The Counseling Center will have a QPR-athon for Leadership Week in the spring. There will be open sessions for one day, but the exact date hasn't been set.

QPR is offered to all campus groups as well as individuals. To make an appointment, contact Dr. Teresa Michaelson-Chmelir, associate director of the Counseling Center, at 407-823-2811.

Question, Persuade, Respond

Step one is to question. Ask in a direct way if they are feeling suicidal, and don't be afraid that you'll anger them. Be considerate of their feelings and ask during an appropriate time when you both can freely discuss their feelings. Be genuine, Wallace said.

A person who is suicidal and ready to talk about it will not shy away from help. In fact, they'll be relieved that someone is paying attention to them.

It's as if you are "throwing them a lifeline," Wallace said.

If the person is not ready to talk, don't give up. Don't force them to talk. Find another time and place, and try again.

Step two is to persuade. Ask them to seek help.

Step three is to refer. Around campus, numerous facilities and people are trained and available to help people in this state of mind. Go to the Counseling Center or Health Center or talk to a physician. Let your friend know that if they would like, you would accompany them or even make the first call.

Jumping 'Ship? Never! B/C lives on

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 03:41:32 GMT

As I read through people's opinions about the last episode of Gossip Girl, it amazes me to see how many people seem to be jumping ship. By this, I mean abandoning ship. Ship=relationship. More specifically Blair Waldorf & Chuck Bass.

WHY!!!!!

Why are there people interpreting Chuck's behavior in 1x13 the WRONG way?

This is my analysis/rant on 1x13 & B/C. I'm a little angry to see people misinterpret what happened and not realizing this episode HELPED our 'ship. Oh, btw, I'm a Harry/Hermione (HP) fan 'til death, so not much ever really makes me jump 'ship. There's your warning about me.

Oh shit. Now my anger is coming around and I can't think clearly. Okay, I'm gonna go rewatch the episode and type as watch to refresh my memory. Not that what I just said has anything to do with anything, but I'm rambling and I'll post this after I'm done watching and discussing. (so ignore this paragraph because it's useless.)

First C/B/N scene. BN are talking about the druggie Captain and making out. Chuck is watching. Um. I'd like you all to watch his face. He's heartbroken seeing them together. He wasn't blackmailing her for nothing. Like he said in "School Lies", he'd do it until the sight of them didn't make him sick (i hear ya, Chuck!!!!). And, watching them was NASTY. I keep wanting to throw up. But, then watch B during the make out scene. Why is she looking away from Nate? Why do her eyes meet Chuck's? Why does she look so sad kissing Nate? Because Chuck is watching and it hurts her because she's scared of her feelings for him, but Nate is Prince Charming and a girl like B needs to keep up appearances.

"He does have this weird influence over her." Says Serena during her dinner date. Umm...YES. Even everyone else sees it, too! Thanks, S. :) (Sidenote....FUCK YOU, Little J!) But, that observation from Serena does help show that there is something about B/C. They've been friends for so long.

Also, while I'm skipping over the Rufus crap, I'd like to mention how similiar B & Chuck are. Manipulation is key to their success. Please remember that. Especially with Chuck. He's not used to feelings, especially for a girl. His best friend's girl, no less. He doesn't know how to deal with this. So, his coping measures involve manipulation. Key in this episode!

Serena/Chuck scene: I love how when Serena says "deep down..." that he KNOWS she's "here for Blair". And he quickly babbles something about getting bored with the blackmail. Could you say it in any less of a convincing manner? Okay, so he quickly denies the pregnancy thing, which is really hot (i'm weird and in love with him, leave me be!!!). But, if you watch what happens next, just goes to show you that he acts differently around everyone else. Can't show emotion. Only to B.

OMG! Like, one of the BEST scenes on the show, period! Chuck's smoking. See's B. Stops. She says he doesn't have to and he says "secondhand smoke is bad for the uh". OMG! I LOVE THIS SCENE! And then he touches her tummy! AHHHHHHHHHH How cute! He loves her. Why in god's name would CHUCK BASS do that for anyone? He wouldn't. Only for B. Oh, B. Stop deluding yourself with NATE! He's not worth it. But, Chuck is PISSED OFF and JEALOUS! Look at his (sexy) face and you can see it. The look in his eyes. He's hurt! And he's not thinking rationally. That's why he sends the text/tip to Gossip Girl.

Um..and THIS is one of the BEST scenes, too. Like, better than the above one. Maybe because I've been waiting for this since like 1x07? hehe. OMG. How could you even THINK that he doesn't like her after the fight.

"Yes, Nathaniel. I took what Blair kept throwing at you and you kept throwing back."
"Oh, so somehow you screwing Blair for sport is my fault?"
"It wasn't for sport. She needed someone and I was there." <<<< YES!!! >>>>
"Oh, so you cared about her?"
And the way he says you guys were broken up...He's so heartbroken for losing his best friend, but also because B's gone. And, he admitted that it wasn't like everyone else. He cares about her!

(another sidenote! Little J underestimates B. I hope B takes that bitch down and buries her alive!!!!)

Since this is a thread about B/C, this doesn't need a sidenote. When B is walking around, alone, and he has her memories of Nate and Chuck...LIMO SCENE. Duh, that was not shown. Who wants an extended version of the Limo Scene? I know I do! That needs to be a bonus feature on the DVD.

And now we come to the scene were apparently people decide to jump. NO! This only makes it more obvious!!! I have to say, that B needs to realize what she said to Chuck. Backstep. Watch Chuck's face during this scene. Usually he would be smirking about a plan falling into place. He doesn't crack a smile.

"I have no one to turn to but you."

BLAIR! You need to be hit over the head. PLEASE realize what you just said. You basically said he was the last resort. We know it's not true. We know that's NOT what she meant. But, despite Chuck knowning she didn't mean it like that, it still hurts nonetheless. Especially when Nate couldn't say those three words, she went IMMEDIATELY to his club. When things were bad with Serena, she called Chuck to help bring her down. He's been one of the FIRST people she goes to. But, because of the events that happened, it came out totally wrong. Nate was an ass. Her and Serena got into another fight. Hazel and the gang shunned her. BUT. She went LOOKING (okay, we all know she knows exactly where he goes. They know each other that well) for him.

I'd like to go back and bring in the manipulation thing. Master of it. Hello! He knows how to do that. He's hurt because of B and because of his friendship with Nate. He said those things to make her hurt like he is. Because he doesn't know any other way to deal with his emotions. If Chuck didn't care, when he compared her to an Arabian, he'd be smirking. I can totally see it. But he's not. Why? Because he loves her and he's scared that she doesn't love him or want him, and because he's never felt like this. He doesn't know how to deal.

As he finishes his talk, he's only drinking his scotch and can barely make eye contact. While the silence is around them, he doesn't look at her because he knows what he just said to her. It's worse than the way Nate used to treat her. Then he looks back when she leaves. My heart just broke for him. Oh, and that head goes down. Chuck. If you could only THINK before you act sometimes.

And then B goes home and tells her mom she wants to leave now. He was the catalyst in the situation. If Chuck would have accepted her, she wouldn't have left. She'd have him. She'd have him and no one else, and he's survive.

And THAT is why you cannot jump 'ship. This is only the beginning of B/C. This episode PROVED our cause. This episode should make us band more together and be proud of our couple, no matter how stupid and whatnot they were.

Gossip Girl 1x12 "School Lies" reivew

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 01:04:19 GMT

I thought it was a great episode. And I think this review is more like a rant/review. This was originally posted on another board, keep that in mind. I'm too lazy to write anything new.

Bass/van der Woodsen/Humphrey affair: With Lily's record, I do NOT blame Serena. She's scared. Plus, they won't be BLOOD related, but still. Now, I LOVE "Cruel Intentions", but ..wait..that's why I WANT Lily/Bart. hehe. Not that anything will happen, I just LOVED Chuck in this episode. It won't be legally wrong for L/R, S/D, and J/E, but it's still weird, nonetheless. Serena doesn't want it weird. She wants to be happy with Dan. Now, I'm happy that she said yes, but I DO want L/R, trust me. One of the best couples on the show. BUT, drama sells, people. We want this show to last seasonS! We can't have anyone end up happily ever after right now. So, I want them to be engaged, but maybe a long one or something and she finally calls it off type of deal. And, oh man, the ending with Bart and Serena and Chuck on the couch..LMAO! I LOVE THE BASS MEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was AWESOME.

The Key: Umm...I was thinking it was Chuck or Blair. But it being Serena's! Wow. Didn't see that one coming. I did like that they mentioned her past. In the books, she's still like that, too. So, good on them, and they did it a good way because the episode talked about school records and she was scared because her record was so bad. AND, I love how she mentioned that she barely got back into Constance. Chuck taking the key and Blair hiding it was totally in character because they're both the masters of manipulation and whatnot, and they don't leave behind evidence. I will get to Nate later in my post.

Dan: Well, the promo made it seem like they'd have a big fight, but in the actual episode, it wasn't as big as I thought. I did like how he told Serena that it was different for him than all the others. And I love how Serena was like it didn't matter about who she was when she got off the hook with only community service (I believe). And then Bart told her he took care of it. Then Serena ran to Brooklyn to tell Dan that he was right. That was cute. As someone said, S/D is cute, but boring. Yeah. That's why I don't really care about them. But, a little stability is needed.

Jenny: oh! I didn't even realize she wasn't in the episode until someone mentioned it! Wow. Oh well. I don't care.

Vanessa!: Well, she was my second favorite book character (after - you guessed it - B!), so I'm glad her filming was mentioned. Not like the books, but at least she's getting something of BookVanessa. Brilliant in this episode, by the way. When Chuck have her the $10,000 for the tape, I knew that tape didn't have the convo on it. And then she goes and gives it to B. Wow. And then B goes to Brooklyn!!! *gasp* She paid V's rent. That's nice. And how Vanessa explained what she did with Chuck's money. LMAO! WIN! Totally brilliant! B & C are my favorite show characters and B & V are my favorite book characters. So, naturally, I LOVED this episode.

You ready? You ready? No? Too bad. Wait..I have no idea how to get this out! *deep breath*

*SCREAMS*

The TRIANGLE:

Let me start off by saying this: I HATE NATHANIEL ARCHIBALD.

Okay, I feel better now.

This episode rocked the triangle.

In the pool, with the BN convo! She's avoiding him! She looked disgusted and bored whenever he was around. LOVE IT!!! And, ever since "Hi Society"... *throws up* OMG. The look in his eye just bothers the shit out of me. I hate how cocky he looks. But I liked how she'd been avoiding him. And went to Chuck (who was sitting on the lifeguard stand! hot!!) and started bitching. Even with someone right there. His words to her were so...hehe. He loves her.

Now, some of you were going WTF Chuck! Why S? You don't get it. It's CHUCK BASS. He's not ready for others to see what B does to him. And, hello. His dad and her mom. He totally had to do to the sibling thing. I told you, I LOVE CRUEL INTENTIONS. This is why I want L/B because it'll give us GREAT S/C scenes (not romantic, but their wit..or his wit and her eye rolls).

Nate was being way too *throws up again* in this episode. Like someone said, it's out of character. Blah. *throws up* BUT, it was sweet and cute how he took the blame, thinking it was B. Totally thought that was nice. But still. *crosses arms over chest* Go away.

And he came to win her back. Oh man. I was sooo happy when she told him no. And then she went to him. Okay. This almost gave me a heart attack. For a few seconds there, I thought she was going to TELL him about her and Chuck's fling when BN were broken up. Scared the SHIT out of me.

So, they're together now, but whatever. Chuck, go win your girl.

And next week. I cannot think clearly. I do not want to watch any more promos. I do not want any spoilers. I just want the episode RIGHT NOW. NC confrontation! FINALLY! I've been waiting!!!!!!!!!!! And a pregnancy scare. But, I don't think she's pregnant. I mean, having a kid would ruin the show. But, a SCARE is great. hehe

Umm...and another Nate thing. This is a good one, I SWEAR! So, when the kid almost drowned, Nate went to save him and gave him CPR. Now, this was an *gasp* moment in the episode because the kid almost died, but for some reason I couldn't hold a straight face. All I was thinking was...NATE IS GIVING CPR. Like there aren't enough slash out there, NATE gives another guy CPR. Is that wrong of me? I couldn't help thinking dirty thoughts during that scene. *angel*

First Post - Blah

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 23:34:10 GMT

Okay, so I don't usually do things like this (LJ, etc.). It's not my style, but I'm going to try it out. It's better than MySpace and Facebook, in my opinion. Not that I've used the other two, but the fact that this place is called "LiveJournal" is enough to place it higher than the other places. Journal. Great. I love writing. I just hate writing in journals because I can't seen to find anything to really write about. Things happen in my life, but it's hard for me to put them into words.

If you hadn't noticed by now, I'm just rambling about god-knows-what.

Maybe later on I'll actually be able to write about me and my interests, hobbies, etc. Until then, deal with it.

Oh, yes, looks like I need to come up with a signature, too. Yippee!!!