The recent attempted suicide by an Eastern student highlights the dangers of depression for college students and how resources on campus can help students in such a situation.

Art Mitchell, a spokesperson for the University Police Department, confirmed Friday that an Eastern student attempted to commit suicide on Wednesday night and the university police responded to the call.

Mitchell would not release any further information about the incident.

Since 1998, three Eastern students committed suicide. Every year, one out of every 10,000 university students across the country will commit suicide, Dave Onestak, director of the counseling center, said Friday.

“We view suicide as a permanent solution to an often temporary problem,” Onestak said.

In many cases of suicide, the people are depressed, and Karola Alford, associate professor and counselor, said 35 percent of students that go to the counseling center are treated for depression.

“Sometimes it just takes courage to go and get help,” she said. “Some students might experience isolation and don’t feel connected to other people, so I encourage them to get involved in a group.”

Onestak said that the people closest to a suicidal person are the first to pick up on the warning signs. Those close to the individuals on campus could include friends, roommates or residence hall assistants. Onestak said the counseling center is available for consultations regarding whether or not a person is suicidal. Also, the faculty and staff on campus can help with these situations.

Onestak said there are many warning signs to indicate if a person is suicidal, including changes in academic performance, whether they may be skipping or failing classes, being in a depressed mood, withdrawal from others socially, recent loss of someone or break-up of a relationship, alcohol and drug abuse and veiled or direct threats that they are planning to commit suicide.

“There’s certainly a number of people on this campus who can help while they find better ways to deal with life’s problems,” he said.

The counseling center is open for all students to make an appointment to see a counselor.

, and each day Onestak said there are several emergency slots open for students who need immediate attention.

A conference on April 5 will address suicide and depression in schools. The conference is intended to debate all the issues surrounding suicide including the fact that since the 1950s the suicide rate for adolescents has tripled, a press release stated. -Julie Ferguson , features editor, contributed to this article.