It’s not always obvious when a friend needs you to be there. On our campus. . .

• 6.5% purposefully injured themselves without suicidal intent
• 5.8% seriously considered attempting suicide after starting college
• <1% made a suicide attempt after starting college

**Based on the Mental Health & Counseling Student Survey (2010)

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Be Concerned If Your Friend Is. . .

• Talking about wanting to hurt or kill themself
• Hurting themselves by cutting, burning, punching, etc.
• Seeking access to pills, weapons, or other means of harm
• Exhibiting dramatic changes in mood or behavior (e.g., engaging in risky activities, withdrawing from friends)
• Indicating no reason for living or no sense of purpose

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Be There For Your Friend By. . .

Listening, supporting, encouraging, and just being there can really make a difference in a friend’s life.
Here are some other ways to help a friend who you are worried might hurt themselves.

• Listening without judging (but never promise to keep things confidential)
• Being direct about your concerns for their safety
  • “Are you thinking about harming yourself?”
  • “Have you thought about how you would hurt yourself (e.g., method, timing, location)?”
• Making sure they are safe by not leaving them alone and/or removing things they could use to harm themselves
• Getting them help
  • Call your RA or Public Safety (x4444) for immediate assistance
  • Offer to call or walk him or her to the Counseling Center (x5005)
  • Contact the Northampton County Crisis Hotline at (610) 252-9060

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Additional Resources. . .

The Jed Foundation
ULifeline
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK)
Self-Injurious Behavior (PDF)

If you are concerned, reach out... (video)

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(video)

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