Suicidal Thoughts

UHCS Services

UHCS provides same day emergency appointments for crisis situations such as suicidal ideation. A counselor is always held available each day. You can walk-in or call (262)472-1305 at ANY time during business hours: 8am-4:30pm, M-F. 

After regular business hours call:

• Walworth County Crisis Hotline: 1-800-365-1587
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
• Emergency: 911

Overview

Life can feel very overwhelming sometimes. There can be a lot on your plate: classes, friends, work, romantic partners, family issues, etc. Sometimes, for some people, feeling overwhelmed turns into thoughts of wanting to end your life. Maybe there are thoughts like “I just wish I wasn’t here anymore” or, “It wouldn’t be so bad if something happened to me.”

Suicidal thoughts are more common than you might think: A 2008 poll by National Research Consortium of Counseling Centers in Higher Education found that over 50% of responding college students acknowledged having at least had one episode of suicidal thinking at some point in their lives. But… even with being common, suicidal thoughts can be a very serious issue.

Most often, suicidal thoughts are a symptom of other possible concerns like depression or anxiety. And guess what? Those are treatable problems. One of the most important things one can do in these situations is talk about it. Come to counseling. Tell a friend, an RA, a family member, or someone you trust. Isolating ourselves with those thoughts can make it feel worse. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary feeling.

Worried that you’ll be sent away from school for admitting something like this? Don’t be. While each situation is unique, the overwhelming majority of cases work out while you stay in school and keep doing other things that matter to you. We’d love to talk to you and find a way to help if we can. Sometimes talking to someone outside of the situation can be very relieving.

Maybe you know a friend who is making statements that make you wonder if they are considering suicide. The single most helpful thing you can do is to simply ask the question: “Are you feeling suicidal?” This won’t make the person consider the idea more, or put the idea in their head. If the answer is yes, ask: “Do you have a plan?” If the answer is yes, try to get them to UHCS or tell somebody in charge (RA, Complex Director, Parents) as soon as possible. If the person is actively threatening to commit suicide, call 911. Part of you might feel like you’re being obtrusive, but what you’re really doing is helping save a life of someone you care about.

The Suicide Prevention Lifeline lists warning such as the following:

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
• Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings

You don’t have to help them solve the problem… help them come to a place like UHCS where professional staff is waiting to help. Remember… there are options!

Resources

• Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• Crisis Text Line