Getting Help

Phone numbers to call if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts:

For 24/7 crisis support, please get in touch with the Student Counseling Center, 210-784-1331.

After hours, please utilize the additional following resources:

University Police Emergency Line: (210) 784-1911

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255

National Crisis Text Line: Text “Help” to 741-741

The Center for Health Care Services: (800) 316-9241

Steps to take if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts:

No matter how much pain you’re experiencing right now, you’re not alone. Many of us have had suicidal thoughts at some point in our lives. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts at this time, please reach out for help. Even if it doesn’t feel like it right now, many people want to support you during this difficult time. This might include close family members, friends, peers, neighbors, mentors, professors, and mental health professionals. Call or visit the Student Counseling Center during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

For after-hours support, please call the Student Counseling Center at (210)784-1331. Students can also utilize the 24/7 emergency/crisis hotlines below:

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255
• National Crisis Text Line: Text “Help” to 741-741
• The Center for Health Care Services: (800) 316-9241

If you are concerned about a friend, roommate, or loved one:

If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, there’s plenty you can do to help save a life.

• First, take any suicidal talk or behavior seriously. It’s not just a warning sign that the person is thinking about suicide—it’s a cry for help.
• Recognize suicidal warning signs and know how to respond if you spot them. Major warning signs for suicide include talking about killing or harming oneself, talking or writing about death or dying, reporting feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in daily activities, withdrawing from others, significant changes in eating and sleeping patterns, and seeking out things that could be used in a suicide attempt, such as weapons and drugs.
• Please refer to this After-Hours Response guide, which highlights varying levels of concern and appropriate actions.

Tip #1: Speak up if you are worried.

Talking to a friend or family member about their suicidal thoughts and feelings can be extremely difficult for anyone. But if you’re unsure whether someone is suicidal, the best way to find out is to ask. You can’t make a person suicidal by showing that you care. Giving a suicidal person the opportunity to express their feelings can provide relief from loneliness and pent-up negative feelings and may prevent a suicide attempt. 

Tip #2: Respond quickly if the individual is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others.

If a friend or family member tells you that they are thinking about death or suicide, it’s important to call 911 or take the person to the nearest emergency room. 

Tip #3: Offer help and support.

If a friend or family member is suicidal, the best way to help is by offering an empathetic, listening ear. Let your loved one know that he, she, or they are not alone and that you care. Help the suicidal individual get connected to professional help. Offer to walk them to the Student Counseling Center, connect them to a community provider, or call the Student Counseling Center at (210)784-1331 (Available 24/7).