Many students experience suicidal thoughts or feelings at some point. There are many reasons why you may feel the way you do, and there are support and treatment strategies available.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. You are very important to us, and we want to help you get through this. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness.

Never hesitate to call the UHS 24-hour crisis line at 608-265-5600 (option 9). If your situation is immediately life threatening, please call 911 or get yourself to the nearest emergency room. If you need support, ask someone to come with you.

Help is available on campus. UHS offers free and confidential mental health services for students. Visit our getting started page for more information about your first visit.

Online resources:

• “If you are thinking about suicide…read this first.”
• Dealing With Suicidal Thoughts and Feelings
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Resources

Value yourself. Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and avoid self-criticism. Make time for hobbies and favorite projects, or broaden your horizons.

Take care of your body. Taking care of your physical health can improve your mental health.

• Eat nutritious meals
• Avoid cigarettes. UHS offers free individual counseling for students who would like to quit.
• Drink plenty of water
• Exercise. Exercise can help decrease depression and anxiety and improve moods. Recreational Sports offers programming for students looking to get active on campus.
• Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep contributes to a high rate of depression in college students.

Surround yourself with good people. People with strong family or social connections are generally healthier than those who lack a support network. Make plans with supportive family members and friends, or seek out activities to meet new people, such as a club, class, or support group.

Give yourself. Volunteer time and energy to help someone else. You'll feel good about doing something tangible to help someone in need — and it's a great way to meet new people.

Learn how to deal with stress. Stress is a natural part of life. UHS offers stress management services and relaxation exercises.

Quiet your mind. Try meditating, mindfulness, and/or prayer. Check out UHS wellness services or connect to religious organizations on campus.

Set realistic goals. Decide what you want to achieve academically, professionally, and personally, and write down the steps you need to realize your goals. For help reaching your academic goals, check out the study skills resources from GUTS.

Break up the monotony. Routines make us more efficient and enhance feelings of security and safety, but a change of pace can perk up a tedious schedule. Browse the events calendar for new experiences.

Avoid alcohol and other drugs. Keep alcohol use to a minimum and avoid other drugs. Alcohol and other drugs can be used to "self-medicate," but in reality, they only aggravate problems.

Get help when you need it. Seeking help is a sign of strength — not a weakness. And it is important to remember that treatment is effective. There are campus and community mental health resources. UHS Mental Health Crisis Services are available 24-hours a day by calling 608-265-5600 (option 9).

Adapted from the National Mental Health Association/National Council for Community Behavioral
Healthcare and the University of Michigan University Health Services Ten Things

The grief that follows losing a loved one to suicide can be complex and long-term. Survivors — those who have lost someone to suicide — struggle with shock, guilt, anger, unanswered questions, and more. If you have lost someone to suicide, do not be afraid to seek help for yourself. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Campus and Community Resources

• University Health Services Mental Health and Counseling Services
• Journey Mental Health Center Survivors of Suicide Services
• Campus Resources

More information

• Help After Suicide – Journey Mental Health
• Survivors of Suicide Fact Sheet
• Helping Survivors of Suicide

Parents and guardians can play an important role in promoting a student’s mental health. It is important for family members to be aware of common stressors students face at college, intervene when there are concerns about a student, and know about available resources. We recommend that all parents familiarize themselves with the 3 R's: Recognize, Respond, Refer.

Remind your student that taking care of their mental health is just as important as taking care of their physical health. Strive to keep the lines of communication open throughout the semester to serve a source of support for students as they face both academic and personal challenges, especially during their first year.

It may be difficult for parents to intervene if they live in different cities, states, or even countries than their student. If you have any questions about or are concerned for your student, please contact UHS at 608-265-5600 or the Dean of Students Office at 608-263-5700.

For immediate concerns about a student’s safety, you can contact the UW-Madison Police Department (608-264-2677) or the Madison Police Department (608-266-4948) to conduct a welfare check.

A recent survey showed that UW-Madison students are more likely to go to a friend first before talking to a mental health professional, university staff member, or parent. Suicide is preventable, and peers can play an active role in supporting their fellow Badgers.

What you can do:

• If you are worried about a friend, call the 24-hour UHS Crisis Line to consult with a professional: 608-265-5600 (option 9). If your friend is in immediate danger, call 911.
• Learn about the three Rs: Recognize, Respond, Refer
• Take an online training and practice supporting a friend in need
• Campus resources

Suicide Prevention Council

The UW-Madison Suicide Prevention Council advises on suicide prevention efforts within UHS and offers a multidisciplinary perspective for campus, community, and shared governance representatives to work collaboratively toward suicide prevention. For more information or if you are interested in serving on the council, contact suicideprevention@uhs.wisc.edu.

Collaborations

UHS Suicide Prevention can work with campus and community organizations interested in hosting educational events, planning awareness campaigns, or promoting suicide prevention. Contact suicideprevention@uhs.wisc.edu for more information.