The Suicide Prevention Program does not provide counseling services or e-mail assistance. If you are thinking about suicide or hurting yourself, or if someone you know is seriously thinking about suicide, please seek help. Monday through Friday from 8-5, call the University Counseling and Testing Center at 269-387-1850. After hours, call (800) 273-TALK (8255). This National Suicide Prevention hotline is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and is answered locally.

The Star Thrower

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

 As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean. He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?" The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean." "I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?"

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die." Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference for that one."

*Adapted from the original source: Eiseley, Loren. (1978). The Star Thrower. Times Books, Random House

   SUICIDE IS PREVENTABLE, YOU CAN BE A LIFE SAVER!

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among college students in the United States.
 
Western Michigan University is committed to providing information and training to prevent suicide.
 
This website is a suicide prevention resource tool for Western Michigan University students, faculty, staff, and the community.

This website is part of WMU's comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program in collaboration with the community. WMU is a grantee of the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

For more information about Suicide Prevention at Western Michigan University, please contact the Suicide Prevention Program at suicidepreventionprogram@wmich.edu.