With the recent suicide of a UA student and with finals fast approaching, J.P Benedict, ASUA president, will be promoting Ulifeline to help students cope with the everyday pressures of college life.

Ulifeline is a mental health Web site geared toward college students.

Benedict said that suicide does happen, as evidenced by the recent suicide of a student in Sierra Residence Hall in November.

"Students get lonely, depressed and anxious, especially with finals coming up," Benedict said.

That is why Benedict will start advertising the program more during this week, when finals begin for many students.

"We're here; we're here to help," he said.

The program was conceived after two UA students committed suicide in 1998.

It was developed by the Jed Foundation, in conjunction with UA students and staff from the UA's Counseling and Psychological Services.

The Jed Foundation is a nonprofit charity named after Jed Satow, one of the UA students who committed suicide in 1998.

The organization works to prevent suicide among college students and improve mental health support systems on campuses nationwide.

Benedict said that many times students feel they have nowhere to turn to for help since there might be negative reactions from their peers.

The Web site will serve as a support group for these students, he said.

Abigail Kimball, vocal performance freshman, said it is a good idea that ASUA is getting involved, saying freshmen could especially benefit from extra resources.

"It's a really good thing; people need help," she said.

The Web site was created by health professionals from around the country. It contains a self-evaluator, a mental health reference library, a forum to ask questions about mental health, a section about warning signs, and a drug reference database.

The Web site is confidential, free and accessible 24 hours, seven days per week.

Benedict said the Web site is not only for people concerned about themselves, but also people who have friends that are feeling down or are depressed.

It informs students of the warning signs of depression among their peers.

Four out of five young adults who attempt suicide give clear warning signs beforehand, according to the Jed Foundation Web site.

"Hopefully, the material on the Web site will make them feel better or get them help, or all of the above," Benedict said.

Fliers and posters will be posted in greek houses, residence halls, and other locations on campus.

Benedict said he doesn't expect to help a lot of students, but that if just one is helped, it is worth it.

According to the Jed Foundation Web site, suicide is the second leading cause of death in college students. An estimated 1,100 suicides will occur on college campuses this year.

"It's disheartening," said Jody Mullen, business freshman.

Students who are concerned about their mental health or a friend's, should visit www.ulifeline.org or www.jedfoundation.org

Students can also utilize Campus Health and the Counseling and Psychological Services here at the UA.