Suicidal tendencies arise from a complex interaction of several factors. Among students, the pressures associated with their transitional phase, marked by significant changes, can amplify preexisting vulnerabilities. This emphasizes the importance of university lecturers, who hold an important position as gatekeepers. There is often uncertainty about how to deal with signs of suicidal thoughts. Some teachers or supervisors find it difficult to engage in conversation about death wishes and suicidal behaviour, based on the idea that talking about it might increase suicidality. Another barrier is that it is not always clear to lecturers where to refer students with suicidal thoughts. This gatekeeper training teaches you how to discuss these thoughts, how to assess safety and how to encourage the other person to seek help.

For who?

Anyone who has or may encounter someone with (possible) suicidal thoughts in their environment can be a gatekeeper. That includes you. A gatekeeper, refers to the key role you can fulfill for someone who feels so trapped in their thoughts that they no longer see a way out. Research and experience show that people with suicidal thoughts often do not talk about it and hesitate to seek help, even though we know that talking about these thoughts actually helps and brings relief. As a gatekeeper, you can be the person who is trusted and makes these thoughts discussable, without taking on the role of a therapist.

This training is scheduled by the TLC Science for lecturers that fulfill a mentor role. These mentors will receive an invitation for this training. If you do not fall in this category but are still interested in following this training, please contact us at tlc-training-science@uva.nl to discuss possibilities.

Trainers

The training is carried out by trainers hired through the Dutch foundation 113 suicide prevention.