The best approach to treating suicidal individuals is to identify and treat any underlying mental health condition. Contact the Counseling Center, call 988, (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) or text “CUNY” to 741741 (CUNY crisis text line).
Many people who die by suicide have given warnings to family and friends. If someone you know talks about death or suicide, take it seriously.
Many suicidal people are undecided about living or dying. While a part of them wants to live, death seems like the only way out of their pain. They sometimes gamble with death, leaving it up to others to save them.
Discussing suicidal thoughts with sympathy, tact, and respect can make the person feel less alone and encourage them to get the help they need. On the other hand, trying to cheer someone up might make them feel worse - misunderstood and ashamed of their thoughts and feelings. It is important to listen well and take them seriously.
However, friends and family are not trained to assess suicide risk. If you are worried about a loved one, consult a mental health professional by calling 988 or one of the other numbers above.
- Safe Horizon
- Public Safety – 24 hour number 718-960-7777
- Student Counseling Center
- Title IX
- CUNY text line - text “CUNY” to 741741
- Helpline Numbers
- Community Mental Health Centers
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline
With more than 130 crisis centers across the country, our mission is to provide immediate assistance to anyone seeking mental health services.
Helpline: 988 - The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research and education, and to reaching out to people with mood disorders and those impacted by suicide.
- The Jed Foundation works nationally to reduce the rate of suicide and the prevalence of emotional distress among college and university students.
- Mental Health America is dedicated to helping all people live mentally healthier lives.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots organization for people with mental illness and their families. Helpline: Text: "MHA" to 741741 or call 1-800-950-6264
- National Institute of Mental Health provides news, overview, clinical trials, research, treatment, and information on organizations that deal with suicide.
1-866-615-6464 or email: nimhinfo@nih.gov