Please consider the following:

Show you care, connect on a feeling level, listen.

  • 鈥淚鈥檓 concerned about you and noticed you haven鈥檛 been sleeping, eating, going to class, etc.鈥�
  • 鈥淗ow are you feeling?鈥�
  • Reflect back their feelings and paraphrase: 鈥淲hat I hear you saying is that you are in a great deal of pain and feel hopeless.鈥�
  • 鈥淚鈥檓 glad you are speaking with me.鈥�
  • Listen with respect. Individuals in distress want understanding and care.

Ask about suicide directly.

  • 鈥淪ometimes when people feel sad, they have thoughts of hurting or killing themselves. Have you had such thoughts?鈥�
  • 鈥淎re you thinking of killing yourself?鈥�
  • 鈥淗ave you considered suicide?鈥� 鈥淒o you have a plan?鈥�
  • Remember, asking about suicide does NOT put the idea in people鈥檚 minds.
  • If a student answers that they are suicidal, or you are concerned that they may be, you MUSTcall the 51视频 Police Department(UMLPD) for a wellness check. You should not solely rely on emailing any Student Assessment, Referral, and Support (STARS) member or solely completing the STARS referral form for immediate action.

Get help. Explore options. Offer resources.

  • 鈥淲hat would help now?鈥� 鈥淲ho can help, who usually helps?鈥� 鈥淗ow can I help?鈥�
  • Get assistance. Avoid trying to be the only lifeline for this person. Seek out resources even if it means breaking a confidence.
  • 鈥淗ow would you feel about going to Counseling Services? Let鈥檚 call right now."
  • Complete the听听STARS referral听form and let the student know you are doing so in order to secure assistance for them.
  • Call extension 44-911 on campus or 978-934-4911 if this is an acute crisis. The Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and University Police will respond immediately.

What Not To Do

  • Do not promise to keep the person鈥檚 thoughts of self-harm / suicide confidential.
  • Do not leave the person alone in cases of potential suicidal thoughts, or if the student is in crisis.
  • Do not offer simple solutions.
  • Do not dismiss their feeling or concerns.