Suicide Awareness:
If your child, you, or someone you know is in crisis, please use the following information from the National Institute of Mental Health:
- ASK: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question, but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.
- KEEP THEM SAFE: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.
- BE THERE: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.
- HELP THEM CONNECT:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988 or dial 1-800-273-TALK
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Contact Safe2Help Illinois: Text SAFE2 to 72332 or dial 1-844-4-SAFEIL
- You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.
- STAY CONNECTED: Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.
More information can be found on the National Institute of Mental Health website.
Several suicide prevention and mental health support resources for students, faculty, and staff include:
- Call 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255) for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline
- Dial 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- Text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line