Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Resources

WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS FOR SUICIDE?

The following signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. The risk of suicide is greater if a behavior is new or has increased and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these signs, seek help as soon as possible by calling the Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

•  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.

HOW CAN I HELP MY FRIENDS?

If someone you know is exhibiting any of the warning signs listed above, here are some things you can do to help.

•  Ask directly if your friend is thinking about suicide.
• Be willing to listen. Allow their expressions of feelings, and accept those feelings.
• Be non-judgmental. Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad. Don’t lecture on the value of life. Focus on being present with their feelings.
• Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
• Check in with your friend regularly. Schedule times to talk for the next week when you will both be available, to see how they are doing.
• Don’t act shocked. This will put distance between you. Be patient with yourself and the situation.
• Don’t be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
• Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.
• Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.
• Get help from agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
• Encourage (and offer to accompany) your friend to seek help and support from a crisis specialist, therapist, doctor and/or clergy member.
• Show them the safety or “crisis coping plan” on the Lifeline web site, and talk together about your friend can use this to help him/her to cope in these difficult moments.

WHAT ON-CAMPUS MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE

ON-CAMPUS COUNSELING SERVICES

All campuses may contact the Counseling Center: (903) 875-7393 or complete the form below.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT »

WHAT OFF-CAMPUS MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE?

OFF-CAMPUS MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Texas Health
8200 Walnut Hill Lane
Dallas, TX 75231
Main Tel: 214.345.6789
Intake Tel 1: 682.236.6023
Intake Tel 2: 214.345.7355

Parkview Regional Hospital
600 South Bonham Street
Mexia, TX 76667
Main Tel: 254.562.5332
Intake Tel 1: 254.562.0408.2361
Intake Tel 2: 254.562.0408.2362

Andrews Center Behavioral Healthcare
South Highway 19 and FM 1615
Athens, TX 75751
Main Tel: 903.675.8541

WHAT MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE?

ONLINE RESOURCES

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline »

You Matter »

Veterans Crisis Line »

WHAT MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE VIA HOTLINES?

CRISIS HOTLINES

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
1-800-273-TALK (8255) or TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) A free, 24-hour hotline, with a person available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Confidential online chat is also available at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Red Nacional de Prevencion del Suicidio
1-888-628-9454

Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline:
1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1

Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender or Questioning Youth (LGBTQ)
Call The Trevor Hotline toll-free at 1-866-488-7386 

Texas Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA) Crisis Hotlines
These centers operate or contract with a hotline provider for persons in crisis. You may view an alphabetical list of LMHAs and their crisis numbers on our LMHA Crisis Hotline page, or you may search for the crisis hotline number by county, city, or ZIP code on our mental health services search page.