In the upcoming Spring semester 2011, The University of Akron will be offering a new course entitled, Introduction to Suicidology. When I think about suicide a few things come to mind; depression, desperation, and the lack of ability to find reason to live. Often times, suicide is just a thought and most people do not go through with it. The question is, is a course teaching people about how to deal with suicidal thoughts or people with suicidal thoughts going to be helpful?

The course will be teaching the factors that increase suicide risk, the theoretical and research evidence that supports interventions, and how to effectively treat individuals with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The course will raise awareness about suicide and will teach fundamentals on how to help a person that is going through a rough time in their lives. I believe it is essential that people knows have some knowledge on how to handle a friend or family member having suicidal thoughts.

I strongly believe that having this subject out in the open will help a lot of students deal with their own demons and present the opportunity to talk about it for the first time. In order to have a successful course, it is necessary to have an expert on the subject matter being taught. Professor James Rogers, nationally recognized author and president of the American Association of Suicidology, will be taking the lead in the classroom of this course. His credentials are self explanatory and having someone with extensive knowledge of the subject will make the course interesting and very informative.

The University of Akron should consider adopting more courses on similar subject matter. Being well-informed on psychological issues would be beneficial to all students. Such knowledge could help to better understand people and why they behave the way they do.