September is World Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. , suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, and in 2022, almost 50,000 Americans passed away due to it.
Whether it’s you who is struggling or someone you know, it is important to be aware of the help you can receive during your time at college. Here are some resources – on campus and off – to know about. If you feel that are being exhibited by you or someone you know, be sure to reach out to one of the following resources.
Barnes Center at The Arch – 315.443.8000
The has a range of resources available to students in need of mental support. ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ students experiencing a mental health crisis, seeking support for sexual assault or relationship violence, or needing urgent medical consultation can receive free confidential services 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 315.443.8000. The center’s are confidential and covered in full through the , and recurring appointments can be booked with their therapists for longer-term support. The Barnes Center also provides an experiential training program called , which is designed specifically for those living in the university area to learn about and bring awareness to student suicide. These Campus Connect gatekeepers are taught to develop their communication and empathetic listening skills in order to be able to respond more effectively to students’ needs.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 988
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a free, 24/7 service provided to anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. In the event that a friend or family member is acting in a distressing manner online, the lifeline to put in place safety measures and connect with the person in need.
Department of Public Safety (DPS) – 315.443.2224
works every day to keep our campus and the surrounding community danger-free. Their free app, , offers numerous tools and features to keep students out of harm’s way, including anonymous tip reporting for unsafe situations and quick access to emergency support resources, from 911 to the DPS Emergency Communications Center.
Contact Community Services (CCS) – 315.251.0600
is ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s local crisis and suicide prevention service. Similar to the Barnes Center, they provide free, 24-hour, confidential counseling via phone calls and chat lines, as well as follow-up care services in the event of an emergency to help with crisis support and management. For 50 years, CCS has been working with local hospitals and mental health facilities to help ensure the safety of the residents of Central New York. In addition to their main helpline, they also provide supplementary resources, , for those looking for extra support or information.
Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741
The operates on WhatsApp and other platforms to connect those in need with a volunteer Crisis Counselor. Much like the other services discussed above, they are also free, confidential and work 24 hours a day. Upon texting the designated number, a live, trained volunteer will reply from a secure online chat line to try and talk you through or de-escalate your situation.
Remember: you are never alone! If you are struggling or in distress, there are resources available to support you. For more information regarding suicide prevention and awareness, .
Written By Ariya Kukreja ’28, School of Architecture