Some behaviors may indicate that a person is at immediate risk for suicide.
The following three should prompt you to immediately seek help:
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
- Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or obtaining a gun
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
During business hours, visit Counseling and Psychological Services and let the receptionist know that this is an emergency and a counselor will meet with you as soon as possible. After hours, on weekends or during breaks, you may call Counseling and Psychological Services at (828) 262-3180 and select the option to speak to the counselor on call. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available 24/7 by phone at 1-800-273-TALK[8255] or by chat.
Other behaviors may also indicate a serious risk—especially if the behavior is new; has increased; and/or seems related to a painful event, loss or change . Please seek help if any of these warning signs are present:
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
If you notice any of these warning signs in a friend, you should talk to them to see if suicide is on their mind. Help having this conversation is available through the online suicide prevention training. If you recognize these warning signs in yourself, seek help by visiting Counseling and Psychological Services in the Miles Annas building during initial consultation hours.
During the Fall and Spring semesters, Initial Consultation hours are:
Monday - Friday: 8:30am-11:00am and 1pm - 4pm
More on how to help a friend.
More on how to help yourself.
Adapted from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center's Warning Signs for Suicide
