Knowledge about mental
illness increases the
likelihood of seeking help.
University Counseling Services (UCS)
Schedule an appointment at
216.368.5872
An on-call counselor is available after hours, including weekends and holidays.
220 Sears Library Building
(CWRU quad off Adelbert)
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
1.800.273.TALK (8255)
for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing
1.800.799.4TTY (4889)
The Trevor Project Crisis hotline
for LGBTQ youth
1.866.488.7386
CrisisChat.org
for online emotional support
Cleveland Suicide Hotline
216.623.6888
Remember that Student Affairs staff members are available to help you;
their offices are in JMC 120. They can assist you with making an appointment at UCS, advise you on helping a friend,
or direct you to local resources.
You can feel better again.
Asking for help is the
first step.
Most mental health disorders onset between the ages of
18 and 24.
• Unrelenting low mood
• Fatigue or loss of energy
•Changes in appetite or weight
• Intense anxiety, agitation,
restlessness, or slowing down
• Changes in sleep patterns: difficulty staying asleep or sleeping too much
• Increased alcohol and/or
other drug use
• Feelings of hopelessness,
self-reproach, worthlessness, or
excessive or inappropriate guilt
• Decreased concentration,
indecisiveness, or poorer memory
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
How can I help a friend
at risk?
Depression is among the most treatable of all mood disorders.
• Start by telling the person you
are concerned.
• If the person is depressed, don’t be afraid to ask if he or she is considering suicide; if so, does he or she have a
particular plan or method in mind?
• Do not attempt to argue someone out of suicide. Rather, let the person know that you care, that he or she is not alone, and that depression can be treated. Avoid the temptation to say, “You have so much to live for” or “Your suicide will hurt your family.”
• If someone talks about an actual
suicide plan and seems intent on
carrying it out, do not leave him or her alone. Take the person to a counselor
or emergency room, or call 911 or
1.800.273.TALK (8255) for help.
• Be actively involved in encouraging the person to see a physician or mental health professional immediately.
• Individuals contemplating suicide often don’t believe they can be helped, so you may have to do more.
• Help the person find a
knowledgeable mental health
professional or a reputable
treatment facility, offer to make
appointments, and take him or her
to the treatment.
50%-75% of all people
who attempt suicide tell someone about their
intention. (afsb.org)