Editor,

Upon reading the Sept. 7 edition of The Post, I was deeply saddened to hear about the deaths of two Ohio University students. I did not know Curt Peterson, but I am sure his friends and family are experiencing a tremendous loss. I did, however, have the pleasure of knowing Greg Farnham. During his freshman year he was a student in my INCO 103 course.

Although I was only acquainted with him for a quarter, I can attest to his good-natured laugh, his pleasant demeanor and of course, his ever present, easy-going smile. I distinctly remember he was well-liked by his classmates, and I am glad that I had the opportunity to cross paths with him. He will be missed and my thoughts are with his loved ones.

It is easy for those of us who read the articles about the students to shake our heads and say, "That is very sad," or "What a shame," and go about our daily lives. By doing this, we ignore the potential to learn something from this tragedy and moreover, we do not help others who might be thinking about suicide.

During this busy Fall Quarter, it is natural for us to feel overwhelmed with classes and other activities, to worry about our own problems and to focus on getting our own work done. Let us all not lose sight of our friends and the ability to recognize when someone we love and care about seems to be going through a rough time. Please educate yourself on some of the warning signs of suicide. They can include:

Someone who talks about dying or being gone, who is sad, depressed, or listless for a long time. Someone who doesn't seem to heal after trauma or who gives away possessions that were previously important. Someone who does risky things.

Talk to that person and let them know you care. It is important not to try to solve the problem for the individual but rather to encourage them to seek professional help. Failing that, get help for him or her.

Know the resources that can be available to help someone. These include Careline - 593-3344, a 24-hour crisis intervention, information, and referral hotline operated by Tri-County Mental Health and Counseling Services and staffed by trained volunteers; The counseling services available through OU - 593-1616; and the counseling services offered by O'Bleness Memorial Hospital - 593-5551.

Please reach out to your friends and those you care about. It could mean the difference between life and death.

"Piqua man faces sexual battery charges; reported assaults down," Sept. 8. The Post printed the name of the man facing charges of sexual battery and aggravated burglary. Our policy is not to print the name of the accused until he/she has been charged. We regret the error.