about the AUTHOR
Dr. Greg Vander Wal is the executive director of The University of Alabama Counseling Center and a licensed psychologist. Vander Wal has over a decade of experience in collegiate mental health services.
The Division of Student Life is committed to supporting students to maximize their learning experiences. A key part of this support focuses on holistic well-being – cultivating the knowledge, skills and behaviors needed to build a life of vitality, engagement, purpose and resilience, while promoting healthy environments through college and beyond.
One vital aspect of a campus community that supports student well-being is a campus culture committed to suicide prevention and awareness. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people, and everyone in our campus community can be part of the solution.
The topic of suicide can be difficult to discuss. However, it is important to recognize that suicide prevention is a community effort and that we all can participate in efforts to prevent suicide in our community.
Through the Counseling Center’s Tide Against Suicide initiative, we strive to create campus-wide partnerships committed to preventing suicide in our community. Here are some ways you can become better informed and prepared to play your part.
Know the signs of suicide.
These are only a few of the possible warning signs of suicide:
- Previous suicide attempts, especially ones that led to a hospital visit
- Talking or thinking about suicide
- Feeling hopeless or seeing no other options
- Abusing alcohol or drugs
- Experiencing recent losses or relationship problems
- Feeling trapped by circumstances
- Giving away personal items or saying goodbye to friends and loved ones
If you have questions about other potential warning signs, please call the Counseling Center for assistance at 205-348-3863.
Be willing to ask questions and listen well.
Most of us on campus are not mental health experts. However, all of us are in the crucial position of building relationships with each other and supporting our community. Being willing to ask questions and listen when you notice a student or friend seems to be struggling can serve as an important link to the help they need.
Know campus referral resources.
The Counseling Center is available for students who are experiencing a suicidal crisis. Students can:
- Call 205-348-3863.
- Walk in during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.).
- For after-hours crises, call UAPD at 205-348-5454 and ask to speak with the on-call therapist.
Additional resources include:
- The UA 911 Guide, which provides a list of campus resources and guidance on which services are best suited to specific concerns. Bookmark this guide for quick access when supporting students.
- Free online self-help tools available through the Counseling Center.
- Support from trained volunteers by texting BAMA to 741-741.
Participate in training.
Members of our community who wish to learn more about this issue have several opportunities. Visit the Tide Against Suicide page to learn more about the initiative and ways you can access training or be a part of the team. Here are some other ways to engage:
- Participate in our QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training series. QPR is a gatekeeper training program that helps attendees be more prepared to identify, engage and refer students who may be struggling with suicide.
- Request QPR training for your department or group from the Counseling Center at 205-348-3863 or through our program request form.
- Helping Students in Distress Training: The Counseling Center provides training for faculty and staff on how to interact with students in distress. This training is designed to help you understand the signs, feel more comfortable having a conversation, and make a good referral to additional resources. Visit our program request form if you are interested in this training for your department or area
- Take a free, 30-minute online training for suicide prevention called Ask, Listen, Refer.
Join Tide Against Suicide during Suicide Awareness Week Oct. 13-19. The finale is the Out of the Darkness Walk fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 13, beginning at the Student Center Plaza. All UA community members are invited to attend. A more detailed schedule will be announced soon on the website.
This story is part of the Mental Well-being series, which features tips and insights on issues related to mental health from experts at The University of Alabama.