About

Suicide Prevention
Suicide prevention is everyone's business.
At Illinois, we care about your well-being. You're important; if you're struggling, we want you to get the help you need. If you're worried about someone else, we want you to know how to approach them and connect them to the resources that can help. The three R's can help you remember what to do when you or someone else may need help.

The Three R's—Recognize, Respond, and Refer

Recognize
Respond
Refer
A student talking with a counselor.

Recognize

Know the warning signs of distress.

  • Self-disclosure of personal distress (family problems, financial difficulties, legal issues)
  • References to suicide, threat to others, or self-injury.
  • Depressed or lethargic behavior.
  • Sudden decline in the quality of work or grades.
  • Frequently miss classes or social activities.
  • Loss of focus; easily distracted.
  • Changes in physical appearance (poor grooming/hygiene, weight loss or gain).
  • Increased substance use.
Two friends hugging one another.

Respond

Tips for connecting and helping.

  • Stay safe. Call 911 if you or the person is in immediate danger
  • Stay calm. Take a few deep breaths before you start speaking, and be intentional as you explain what you've noticed and ask questions.
  • Take your time. If this isn't an urgent situation, think through what might be the most helpful steps to take.
  • Seek consultation. If you'd like to talk to someone about what you've noticed and what you should say, you can call the Counseling Center during business hours at 217-333-3704. After hours, Rosecrance Crisis Line (217-359-4141) is available to assist.
  • Use active listening. Make eye contact and repeat in your own words to ensure you understand.
  • Ask direct questions. Don't be afraid to ask if they have had thoughts of harming themselves. It's a common misconception that asking may give the person the idea.
  • Give concrete help. Help the person get to the next step. This could look like coming with them to the Counseling Center or the hospital.
Female student talking with a counselor.

Refer

Know the available resources.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

CAMPUS RESOURCES

Connie Frank Care Center
217-333-0050

McKinley Mental Health
217-333-2700

Women's Resources Center
217-333-3137

OTHER RESOURCES

National Suicide and Crisis Line (Available in English and Spanish) 988

Crisis Text Line: (https://www.crisistextline.org/) or Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a
volunteer Crisis Counselor

RACES Hotline (for sexual assault and stalking): 217-384-4444

Domestic Violence Hotline: 877-384-4390

The Trevor Lifeline (Suicide Prevention for LGBTQIA Individuals): 866-4-U-TREVOR (1-866-488-7386) or text START to 678-678.

Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860

STEVE text line: Text 741741 to STEVE to connect with a trained crisis counselor who specializes in work with students of color.

Veterans’ Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255), press 1

University of Illinois Police Department Response, Evaluation, and Crisis Help (REACH): 217-333-1216 (non-emergencies)

 

SOS for Higher Ed

The Counseling Center offers the SOS for Higher Ed training. The training helps you better identify, support, and connect distressed students with campus services. It takes around 30 minutes to complete.

Take the training.

Suicide Incident Referral

If you're concerned about an Illinois student, you can connect them to resources simply by completing the Suicide Incident Referral. 

Suicide Incident Referral Form