Identifying the Problem:
Suicide is a very serious mental health concern. A student may indicate a specific suicidal plan. The student may also express suicidal thoughts which can include expressing a wish to die. Sometimes this can be a plea for help or a warning.
TAKE SUICIDE VERY SERIOUSLY
Remember: People who talk about suicide, threaten to commit suicide or call suicide crisis centers are 30 times more likely than average to kill themselves.
How to Respond:
Stay calm and listen
Take threats and thoughts seriously
Don't agree to secrecy
Be accepting; do not judge
GET HELP
If a student tells you they have just taken pills (including over the counter medications), have harmed themselves in any other way or have an immediate suicide plan, send them immediately to the University of Michigan Hospital’s Psychiatric Emergency Services (996-4747). If they will not willingly go, then you must contact the Department of Public Safety (763-1131).
If a student is expressing suicidal thoughts, appears depressed or shows other distressing behaviors but does not indicate an immediate plan and/or can reassure you that they are "safe," call Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and ask for the Counselor on Duty (764-8312).
You may want to ask the student for permission to contact their family.
Remember: What may seem like a "safe" medication, such as Tylenol, can be lethal if ingested inappropriately.
University Resources:
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): 764-8312
Psychiatric Emergency Services: 996-4747
Department of Public Safety: 763-1131
