Negative feelings about oneself. A student who is suicidal experiences feelings of worthlessness and of being a failure. Alcohol and substance abuse can cause a student to lose self control and engage in impulsive suicidal behaviors. Note that depression is a major contributing factor to suicidal thinking. Depression may result from several factors, including the recent loss of a family member or friend, disappointments in romantic relationships, or failure to live up to one's own or others expectations.
Suicide happens without warning.
Students who commit suicide are mentally ill. Discussing the problem openly shows the suicidal student that someone cares and wants to help. Most students who are suicidal do not want to die. Students who are suicidal are not necessarily mentally ill. There are verbal and non-verbal warning signs of suicide that will let you know that your classmate or friend is crying for help.