Student Health Care Center

Suicide Prevention Program

Many people have passing thoughts of suicide, at some point, when their lives feel unbearable. Many are able to dismiss the idea: "No, I would never do that." But for some, the question and the unbearable pain remain. If this is you, if you are thinking about killing yourself, we want you to get help.

Thoughts of suicide often come with a narrowing tunnel vision. It becomes harder and harder to believe there is any other way out, that anything else might relieve the pain. But there is help available. Many resources--and people who will work to help you find a way to go on living. Even if you can't see it right now--if you are thinking about suicide, we encourage you not to wait, to reach out now. At least, before you take any steps toward ending your life, risk letting someone help you.

Services

Here are available resources. These services are free to UF students and protected by state and national confidentiality laws.

On campus, Student Mental Health Services (392-1171) in the Student Health Care Center and the Counseling Center (392-1575) in Peabody Hall have same day and emergency appointments. At both sites, on-call clinicians are also available by phone during working hours, and at Student Mental Health, 24-hours, every day.

On campus, the Counseling Center (392-1575) in Peabody Hall has same day and emergency appointments. On-call clinicians are also available by phone during working hours.

At the Alachua County Crisis Center (264-6782), a telephone counselor answers directly, 24-hours every day. The Crisis Center also has face-to-face counseling, if you prefer an off-campus resource. The Crisis Center is also available for non-students.

Anywhere in the country, if you don't know local resources, there is a National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which is a network of certified hotlines, at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Of course, these resources are also available if you are seeking help for someone else. We have posted a copy of the UF brochure, The Danger of Suicide: Responding to Students in Distress. We encourage you to read this brief guide for more details and/or to call one of the listed resources for consultation.