No Bear ever needs to go through it alone. Many people have had thoughts about suicide at some point in their lives. For most people, these thoughts do not lead to actions but they can be very serious and represent a real danger. If you are having thoughts of suicide, please reach out now.
How to Get Help:
- If you are at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
- You can contact the Bear Care Clinic at (740) 355-7102 Monday–Friday, 10 am to 4 pm or visit the clinic on the southeast corner of campus near Shawnee Turf soccer field.
- Contact SSU Department of Public Safety at (740) 351-3232 for crisis intervention outside of regular business hours.
- Dial 988 for free and confidential support. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 access to trained crisis professionals for anyone who is in mental health crisis, having suicidal thoughts, dealing with substance use, or experiencing any other kind of emotional distress. This resource is free for all students and staff at SSU.
Helping Someone Else?
Talking about suicide is one of the best ways to prevent suicide. You can follow these tips on how to have a conversation with the person you are concerned about. One common myth about suicide is that talking about it will somehow put the idea in their head or cause them to act on it; however, letting someone know they are cared for and that they can get help can literally save their life.