If you think someone you know is considering suicide, apply the A.P.P.S. Cares Intervention. This intervention outlines the steps you should take when talking to a friend about suicide.
Approach and Acknowledge: Tolerate your own anxiety and awkwardness. Be specific about what you notice.
Probe: Show that you care by asking questions.
Promote Hope: Listen and let the student know that they are not alone.
Share Referrals: Share referrals with the student. Form a safety net. Share with your support network.
See what applying the APPS intervention looks like:
Online training on applying the A.P.P.S. steps is available 24/7. In-Person training for groups of 10 people or more is available by request.
If someone you know has any warning signs please seek help. For assistance, you can come to the Counseling and Psychological Services Center during in the Miles Annas building during initial consultation hours to speak to a counselor about how best to help your friend. You can also reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 by phone at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or by chat. Most importantly, please encourage your friend to seek counseling and provide them with the Suicide Prevention Lifeline number 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
The best thing you can do is walk your friend to the Counseling and Psychological Services Center during initial consultation hours.
During the Fall and Spring semesters, Initial Consultation hours are: Monday - Friday: 8:30am-11:00am and 1pm - 4pm
If your friend is experiencing an emergency crises, you can take them to the Counseling and Psychological Services Center any time during office hours and they will find a counselor who will see your friend. After hours, on weekends, or during university breaks, you may Counseling and Psychological Services at (828) 262-3180 and select the option to speak to the counselor on call. You may also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or reach Crises Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
When you find out that a loved one had attempted suicide, you may feel overwhelmed with questions. Why didn’t they come to me? What did I miss? And most perplexing, What do I do now? The Lifeline asked people to recall the aftermath of their attempts to give you some insight into what they wanted and needed from their friends and family following their darkest moments. While there’s no formula or one-size-fits-all answer, we hope learning from these attempt survivors will help you feel confident in supporting your loved one.
