Suicide Prevention

If this is an emergency, please call 911 immediately. For 24/7 crisis support, please get in touch with the Student Counseling Center at (210) 784-1331 (after-hours select option “2” to speak with a licensed clinician)

Please take the time to review a short 5-minute video that highlights the warning signs of suicide, how to ask someone if they are thinking about suicide directly, and how to get a loved one the appropriate help. His initiative results from a Texas State law that requires that suicide prevention and mental health information be shared with all entering college students.

Warning signs of suicide may include the following:

• Feeling hopeless, helpless, depressed, irritable, anxious, or humiliated,
• Directly (e.g., “I want to die” or “I have a plan to kill myself”) or indirectly (e.g., “I’m not sure any of this is worth it anymore,” or “I wish I could sleep and never wake up”) expressing suicidal thoughts, a plan to kill oneself, unbearable pain, or having no reason to live,
• Posting suicidal thoughts, actions, and behaviors on social media platforms,
• Behaviors such as withdrawal, isolation, changes in eating and sleeping patterns, alcohol or substance use, giving away prized possessions, making a will, and loss of interest in daily activities,
• Classroom behaviors, homework habits, academic performances, household chores, or conversations may reflect the inability to concentrate or think clearly.

What to do if I am thinking about suicide:

• If you are currently in immediate danger of seriously harming or killing yourself, call 911 or visit the nearest hospital,
• To speak with a licensed mental health clinician, call or visit the Student Counseling Center at 210-784-1331 (available 24/7; for after-hours support, please select option “2”),
• Contact the Center for Health Care Services  and directly communicate your thoughts of suicide,
• Reach out to a loved one and ask for help; stay with a friend,
• Make sure your environment is safe and remains safe: remove or lock up any weapons, razors, knives, and any nonprescription drugs; ask a loved one to hold and administer any daily medications,
• Avoid alcohol and other substances, and
• Avoid driving when possible.

Ways to talk about suicide if I know someone else experiencing suicidal thoughts:

• Directly ask the individual if they are suicidal (e.g., “Are you thinking about suicide?” “Do you want to die?” “Do you wish you were dead?”),
• Talk openly about suicide. Be willing to listen and allow the person to express their feelings,
• Express care and concern. listen with compassion and without judgment,
• Reassure the individual they are not alone, and help is available,
• Encourage them to seek help by offering to take them to the nearest emergency room or visit with a local mental health provider,
• Utilize the consultation services provided by the Student Counseling Center to consult with a mental health clinician about your concerns,
• Attend an upcoming suicide prevention workshop hosted by the Student Counseling Center to learn more about the warning signs of suicide, how to intervene effectively, and how to refer someone for help. Visit our “Mental Health Ally” section for more information on this workshop.

Support for suicidal individuals on social media:

Too often, social media posts are made that express suicidal ideation and behaviors. See this linked tool kit provided by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for guidance and suggestions on what to look for when to respond, and how to approach situations with individuals at risk of suicide.