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After
the Madison Police Department declared a recent incident at the La Ciel
apartments a suicide attempt, University Health Services is reminding students
of the help available to them during this stressful time of year.

A University of Wisconsin student
was rushed to a local hospital Saturday night after falling from the eighth
story of the apartment building. The 21-year-old sustained non-life threatening
injuries from the incident, which occurred at approximately 10:43 p.m.

"It
became clear after the investigation that it was an attempted suicide," MPD Public
Information Officer Joel DeSpain said. "I don't think there's going to be a
lengthy investigation on it."

According
to UHS Counseling Services Director Bob McGrath, the end of the semester can be
a stressful time for students due to the intense pressure to tie up loose ends.

"In
terms of the crisis services, we definitely see an increase in the number of
people that come in," McGrath said. "In general the intensity of requests and
services increases at the end of the semester."

McGrath
attributed the increase to a number of possible causes such as stress with
schoolwork, problems among friends and roommates or simply a realization as the
semester comes to a close that the student has fallen behind. He said the end
of the semester can be "prompt in making people realize that things [aren't] going
very well for them."

McGrath
encouraged students who are having any suicidal thoughts to contact UHS.

"We
have both an after-hours service and counselors available by phone after
hours," McGrath said.

He
added although they normally hold brief intake sessions with students who have
requested service prior to regular counseling appointments, any students who
call at this time of year are ensured a full hour of service at their first
appointment.

According
to DeSpain, the police department normally does not release information about
suicides or suicide attempts.

"I
think what happened was that the officer that put out the release didn't know
at that time that it was an attempted suicide," DeSpain said.

Associate
Dean of Students Kevin Helmkamp said he could not comment on the student's
current condition.