Campus News

Students offer encouragement after suicide attempt at East Garage

After a man jumped off the roof of the East Parking Garage earlier today, some UH students were shaken but not surprised given the stressful nature of finals.

Some took to social media to express support.

Others gave positive encouragement on Yik Yak, an app where one can post anonymously.

“Guys, let’s pray for the guy that jumped off the garage,” one user said. “(He was) probably having a bad time.”

It’s not confirmed whether the man was a student. The attempt, which happened between 12:10 and 12:15 p.m. today, is the third suicide attempt this year, following a suicide during the construction of TDECU Stadium and another at Cougar Village 2 earlier this semester.

One student believes this could be a second opportunity for the man.

“I hope that if he recovers, he realizes that he’s gotten a lucky second chance to re-evaluate his life,” said a student who wished to remain anonymous.

For students dealing with stress preceding upcoming finals, UH Counseling and Psychological Services is at Student Service Center 1 Rm. 226, and CAPS counselors can be reached at 713-743-5454. CAPS offers QPR Suicide Prevention. “Question, Persuade, Refer” helps students recognize signs of suicidal tendencies and provides steps on how to help themselves or others suffering from suicidal tendencies or thoughts.

And if you just need to relax during the stressful finals period, UH is hosting Stress Free Finals week, which begins on Monday. Included in Stress Free Finals week are stress relief dogs, fuel packs and free pancakes.

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6 Comments

  • If you think suicide is the only answer for a stressful test, you’re going to have a hell of a time once you are out of college. Finals are a breeze compared to adult life.

    • True, but how well do you know this person to determine whether or not there were additional circumstances in his life that could have driven him to this, and not just a test! I’m not assuming you have had a perfect life, but maybe you respond to struggle in a different way. So be considerate Mr. Adult life.

    • People do not die from suicide because of the stress from finals although stress is an added risk factor for those struggling with mental illness. Research has consistently shown a strong link between suicide and
      depression, with 90% of the people who die by suicide having an existing
      mental illness or substance abuse problem at the time of their death.

  • Where did the cougar say the incident at CV2 was a suicide I don’t see that in the article linked here… I also don’t remember there being any update to the story despite them saying they would update us. Crappy reporting as always.

  • My heart goes out to the student, family and friends. Hoping and praying for his survival and recovery. May we all support and watch out for each other!

    SUICIDE RISK FACTORS
    Risk factors are characteristics or conditions that increase the chance that a person may try to take their life. THE MORE RISK FACTORS, THE HIGHER THE RISK.

    HEALTH FACTORS

    1. Mental health conditions. (Depression, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, Psychotic disorders, Anxiety disorders, Substance abuse disorders, etc.

    2. Serious or chronic health condition and/or pain.

    ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

    1. Access to Lethal Means including firearms and drugs.

    2. Prolonged Stress Factors which may include harassment, bullying, relationship problems, and unemployment.

    3. Stressful Life Events which may include a death, divorce, or job loss.

    HISTORICAL FACTORS

    1. Previous Suicide Attempts.

    2. Family History of Suicide Attempts.

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