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Even when problems seem overwhelming and too difficult to handle, there is always someone here to listen, offer support and help you through a crisis.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, get help immediately — even if there’s reluctance to get help.
Immediate threats
On-Campus: Call University Police (716-645-2222)
Off-Campus: Call 911
You can also call Crisis Services of Erie County (716-834-3131)
If someone talks or writes about suicide, this should be taken very seriously. Suicidal thoughts are not necessarily dangerous, but if they include actual plans for suicidal behaviors, the severity of the danger increases dramatically. Do not assume that someone is talking about suicide just to get attention — this can be a potentially fatal mistake.
Talking about suicide — or attempting suicide — can be a student’s way of reaching out for help. If a student is thinking about suicide, they’ll often let other people know through their words (verbal warning signs) and actions (non-verbal warning signs). If you see any of these warning signs, get help.
| Non-Verbal Warning Examples | Verbal Warning Examples |
|---|---|
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Many of these warning signs are also signs of depression. Depression does not necessarily mean that a person is contemplating suicide — but depressed people often think of suicide.
Students may consider suicide if they feel hopeless, trapped, out-of-control or depressed. But you may be able to help by following these steps:
| Myths | Facts |
|---|---|
| Asking a student if he or she is thinking about suicide will put the idea into his or her head | Discussing the problem openly shows the suicidal student that someone cares and wants to help |
Once a student decides to commit suicide there is no way of stopping him or her | Most students who are suicidal do not want to die — they are making a “cry for help” |
Suicide happens without warning | Most people who attempt or commit suicide have shown some warning sign or signs |
| Students who commit suicide are mentally ill | Students who are suicidal are not necessarily mentally ill |
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among college students. But it can be prevented. Because each person is unique, there is no single reason why a student commits suicide. However, there are several factors that may contribute to a student having suicidal thoughts.
Ask a question, save a life. QPR is an easy-to-learn process that helps you recognize the early warning signs of suicide, and get professional help for people who need it.
QPR training teaches you to follow three key steps:
Through your training, you will learn how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, including verbal, behavioral and situational clues. By detecting mental health issues early — and making sure that people get the help they need — you can help ensure that no student is left to struggle alone.
This training is for any currently registered UB student, or current UB faculty or staff who works closely with students, including academic or residential advisors, friends, religious professionals and parents.
Presented by a certified QPR instructor, each 60- or 120-minute training session may include information about:
Each participant typically receives a QPR booklet and card with information about suicide prevention, as well as information on treatment providers and support groups on campus and in the greater Buffalo community.
You can request this workshop for your class, student group or department on a date that is convenient for you. Please make sure you will have at least 10 people attending, and provide at least two weeks notice.
On-campus emergencies and crime prevention, 24/7
Bissell Hall, North Campus
Phone: (716) 645-2227; Emergencies: (716) 645-2222
Short-term on campus mental health support
Student Life
University at Buffalo
120 Richmond Quadrangle, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14261
Phone: (716) 645-2720; Fax: (716) 645-2175
University at Buffalo
1st Floor Michael Hall, South Campus
Buffalo, NY 14214
Phone: (716) 829-5800
For after-hours emergencies that require counseling, call University Police at 716-645-2222 and ask for the counselor on call.
This information is designed to provide self-help resources for mental health. This website is not psychotherapy treatment. If you have questions, need help or just want someone to talk with, please contact Counseling Services.