We are here to help.
Making the decision to ask for help isn’t always easy. You might be hoping the problem will simply go away on its own. You may not want your family, friends or professors to know you are struggling. You may think that needing help is a sign of weakness.
The truth is that recognizing a concern and seeking help is a sign of strength and courage, and it’s the first and most important step on the road to well being.
Take our anonymous self-assessment to learn if a treatable mental health concern could be affecting you or a friend.
- If you have concerns about yourself or a friend, contact Student Wellness at (619) 260-4655 for a confidential screening or consultation. You can also explore the Know the Signs site developed by the County of San Diego to become familiar with some of the resources available in our area.
- If you see or hear even one sign, step in or speak up. Don’t assume someone else will. Take the time to learn what to do so that you feel ready to help a friend or a loved one when they may need you the most.
- Be proactive about your mental health: it’s the first step to feeling better.
QPR
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide.
Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. QPR is for our whole community to get trained in — students, staff, faculty, and administrators — and it is important for members across our community to be trained to spot the early warning signs of suicide and to apply QPR.
As a USD QPR-trained Gatekeeper you will learn to:
- Recognize the warning signs of suicide
- Know how to offer hope
- Know how to get help at USD and in the community to help save a life
QPR is a nationally recognized, evidence-based training that grants participants certification considered active for three years.
Resources for Suicide Survivors
If you are grieving a loss because of a death by suicide, you may be in search of support for yourself and other loved ones. You are not alone! There are many resources available online and in many communities that are specifically for people who have lost a loved one to suicide.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The AFSP’s Suicide Survivors Outreach Program has trained volunteers who conduct in person visits to newly bereaved families. They also provide information about support groups and other local resources. Visit the website to find out how to request an outreach visit.
Coping with Suicide Loss
If you have lost someone to suicide, it is important to know that you are not alone. The AFSP has a section on their website dedicated to supporting you with this painful loss.
Friends For Survival
Friends For Survival, Inc. is a California-based outreach organization open to those who have lost family or friends by suicide, and also to professionals who work with those who have been touched by a suicide tragedy. FFS also offers monthly support groups.
Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
SAVE provides a variety of resources and educational materials for coping with a loss to suicide including information on grief, finding comfort, and what to say to children.
*Adapted from the County of San Diego Its Up to US campaign. “Not On My Watch” campaign created by Community Research Foundation.