Suicide is a leading cause of death in college students in the U.S. More than 15 million people have thoughts of suicide in the United States every year, and over one million of those attempt suicide.

Kathleen Snyder, trainer for suicide prevention, intervention, crisis response, loss depression and asset development spoke to College of the Canyons students Wednesday about suicide prevention and awareness.

In a typical week, there are more than 19,000 suicide attempts nationally. In the general population, that means 1-out-of-25 people attempt according to Suicide Awareness Voices of Education.

It is important to keep in mind that anybody can be at risk for suicide and there is no single stereotype of a person at risk of suicide according to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center.

“The situation is really bad right now and [if] you feel like there is no way out, there is, other than suicide. Sometimes it is one step at a time and it is finding someone who is willing to listen and help you figure out how to get out of the messes you feel like you are in and help you to find the hope that is there for you,” Snyder said. “There is hope and there is life. It is never too late to start doing the right thing and you have to be alive in order to make that happen.”

There are three steps in preventing suicide: Ask, listen and stay with them and get help.

If someone is showing signs of being suicidal, ask them directly and unambiguously and be prepared for the answer, she said. It will decrease their risk because it shows someone is willing help.

If they say they are suicidal, listen and allow the person to express their feelings and let them “tell their story.” Do not leave them alone.

And lastly, get help. Get the person appropriate help. Help is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 or at suicideprevention.org.

“Some things can just overwhelm one person and if you just take the time to take each problem with one hand I think it can help out,” said Alexandra Martin, a College of the Canyons student.

More help is available at www.livingworks.net, www.suicideispreventable.org, and, again, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).