The TCU Counseling, Testing and Mental Health Center is spreading the word about suicide prevention by expanding its “R U OK?” social media campaign.

“R U OK?” includes a website, which gives students a way to find the resources they need to handle all types of situations relating to suicide. The site provides information about the warning signs of suicide as well as instructions for students who are seeking personal help or help for someone else.

The “R U OK?” campaign was created after multiple suicides since 2010. The campaign is funded through a grant TCU received in October.

“Suicide is a growing issue among all colleges and universities and is not just a problem at TCU,” said Eric Wood, assistant director of the Counseling, Testing, and Mental Health Care Center.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. Approximately five percent of the student population at TCU have seriously considered suicide within the last year, according to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center website.

“The site and training program are just the first steps in our efforts to prevent suicide at TCU,” Wood said. “We hope to make the site more interactive, to release more public service announcements and to eventually have everyone go through the training program.”

The Counseling Center is also offering a ”Question, Persuade, Refer” training program that lasts an hour. This training is designed to teach students and staff how to identify suicidal behaviors and how to get help for someone they feel is possibly suicidal.

Students are encouraged to visit the counseling center if they have any questions or to call 817-257-7863 to set up a QPR training session.

Editor's note: This story was updated on Sept. 23, 2013 at 4:29 p.m.