In the past year, a string of publicized suicides at New York University has caused school administrators across the country to re-examine suicide-prevention techniques.

Since 1984, the UIUC has required those who have demonstrated that they are a danger to themselves to attend four assessment sessions or face suspension. The policy was enacted after studies showed that many high-risk students had not taken advantage of suicide-prevention programs.

While mandatory assessments might make students upset or angry, the reasoning behind it is understandable: the University has a zero-tolerance policy against threats of violence. Suicide is violence against one’s self.

Assessment just makes sense. Suicide is an act of desperation – an act that can’t be taken back. Those who attempt suicide are crying out for help, and we doubt they understand the finality of ending their lives. It is the third leading cause of death among 15 to 24 year olds in the United States. Additionally, for every 100 students at the University who attempt suicide, one is successful.

Keeping these attempts quiet is dangerous. On campus, students who have attempted suicide are 450 times likely to attempt it again. And in the past five years, there have been eight reported suicides among students, half of whom had never used the Counseling Center.

As a result, for those who might be aware of friends or family at risk, we encourage you to take action and notify others. It takes strong intervention to convince someone to seek help or to break out of the mindset that suicide will solve one’s problems. As difficult as suggesting intervention might seem, it is better than the alternative.

On average, there are 140 suicide attempts each year on campus, and a great number of these students might be angry or upset at the University for forcing them to attend assessment sessions. However, statistics show that the University suicide-prevention program has cut the number of suicides in half since 2000. In fact, more than 2,000 individuals have completed the program and not one has gone on to commit suicide. This is a testament to the success of the program.

Everyone at some point in his or her life will know someone who has either attempted or committed suicide. Our editorial board is no exception. For those who are hesitant to seek help, we’d argue it’s a sign of strength and courage to make your mental health the most important priority.

For those who might know someone at high risk for suicide, we’d recommend getting in touch with a professional for advice about intervention techniques. After all, nobody wants to find out one day that their efforts were too little, too late.