*If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911*
Suicide Warning Signs
Suicide “DOES NOT WAIT” know the signs and get help immediately!
Drug or alcohol use is increased
Often feels like a burden to others
Extreme moods swings are displayed
Sleeps too little or too much
No hope for the future; does NOT have a reason to live
Overwhelming anger to the point of rage or talks about seeking revenge
Trapped feeling or unbearable pain is experienced
Ways of ending life are sought by the person
Agitated-Anxious or reckless behavior is engaged in
Isolates themselves and withdraws
Talks about wanting to die/end life/kill themselves
Crisis Resources
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK - University Medical Center at Princeton
1 Plainsboro Rd
Plainsboro, NJ 08536
Emergency Room: 609-853-7700 - Capital Health Medical Center
750 Brunswick Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08638
609-394-6063
Mental Health Crisis: 609-396-4357
What if I am concerned with someone who is expressing suicidal thoughts online?
If you have been communicating with someone online and are concerned about this person’s life because of something they have posted, please report it immediately!! If you know the person’s whereabouts you can call 911 and have an ambulance sent there right away. If the student is on campus, you can also call Public Safety at any time (609-896-7777) or Counseling Services between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. (609-896-5157) for further assistance in finding this person help
Remember you are helping them during a time when they are not thinking clearly. You are NOT getting them in trouble. You want to make sure help is on its way as soon as possible. If you do not know where the person is, you can get help by reporting the information you have received or viewed. Emotion Technology shows you how to report your concerns on several social networking sites.
What if I am feeling really upset, depressed, or anxious, but it is not an emergency?
There are several things you can do in times of great distress, when it is not a crisis situation or emergency as described above.
Some things that you may be able to do immediately to relieve some of your distress include:
- Journal or write down your thoughts in any creative way you can think of such as poetry, music lyrics, etc.
- Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or adult role model
- Practice relaxation techniques or meditate (check out our self-help link!)
- Listen to soothing music or watch a comforting or funny movie
- Exercise or do anything active such as take a walk or play a sport
- Color, draw, craft, paint, etc.
- Distract yourself with any healthy and soothing activity you can think of
If you would like to speak with a counselor, make an appointment with the Counseling Center on your campus during normal business hours.
If you are in a high level of distress, you may want to speak to someone right away. You can do this by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, anytime 24/7. If you would rather speak to someone online, text the word “START” to 741741. Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support and information.
You may also be interested in one of the additional resources below.
Additional Specialty Hotlines
- NAMI Mercer's Helpline
609-799-8994 - 2NDFLOOR - Confidential and anonymous helpline for New Jersey's young adults to talk about problems or issues they might be facing
1-888-222-2228 - Mercer County Womanspace Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault 24 Hour Hotline
609-394-9000 - Child Abuse/Sexual Abuse Hotline
1-800-4-A-CHILD (2-4453) - National Domestic Violence
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) - Rape, Abuse, Incest, National Network (RAINN)
1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673) - Gay & Lesbian National Hotline
1-888-THE-GLNH (843-4564) - Gay & Lesbian Trevor HelpLine Suicide Prevention
1-866-488-7386 - Self-Injury Hotline SAFE (Self Abuse Finally Ends)
1-800-DONT CUT (366-8288) - Drug & Alcohol Treatment Hotline
1-800-662-HELP (4357) - Planned Parenthood Hotline
1-800-230-PLAN (7526) - Post Abortion Trauma
1-800-593-2273 - Project Inform HIV/AIDS Treatment Hotline
1-800-822-7422 - STD Hotline
1-800-227-8922