Dallas College Mental Health Spotlight

Last updated on August 8, 2023

September marks National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, with World Suicide Prevention Day on Sunday, Sept. 10, where we raise awareness, share information and host events to draw attention to something that affects so many in our communities worldwide.

#BeThe1To

Will you #BeThe1To help prevent suicide? Take a look at the steps provided by the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline that can help us help others.

Ask: Research shows that if someone experiencing thoughts of suicide is contacted in a supportive, caring way, they feel or experience relief. Research also shows that talking about suicide can reduce thoughts of suicide rather than increase them.

Be There: When we will listen without judgment to someone, this could cause them to feel less overwhelmed, foster feelings of hope and reduce feelings of depression and suicide.

Keep Them Safe: When access to lethal methods is decreased, suicide rates decrease. Removing or securing items, such as firearms, medications and sharp objects can be essential to keeping a family member or friend safe if they are struggling with thoughts of suicide.

Help Them Stay Connected: Providing a positive network of peers and access to information about safety and supportive resources is linked to reduced feelings of hopelessness.

Follow Up: Connecting someone to interventions or immediate support when urgently needed, such as crisis lines or emergency departments, as well as supportive follow-up are crucial aspects of suicide prevention.

If a friend, family member or peer shares that they have a plan to harm themselves, take care not to promise secrecy. This may be a time for action to get them essential help. Know critical lifeline numbers, such as 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which will connect them to support immediately.

Here are more tips from the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to use when talking with someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Warning Signs

These are all warnings signs that could indicate someone may need support, especially if these are new behaviors:

• Talking about wishing to die or kill themselves
• Researching methods of suicide, or obtaining methods, such as online research or purchasing means
• Expressing feelings of being “trapped” or in pain
• Sharing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Sharing that they feel they are a burden to others
• Beginning or increasing drug or alcohol use
• Reckless or unsafe behavior
• Sleeping changes – too much or too little
• Isolating themselves from others
• Discussions about seeking “revenge” due to anger or pain from others
• Mood swings or unpredictability

How to Help Yourself

There is support available to get you connected to help and hope. If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself:

• Consider speaking with a therapist. Mental health counseling services are available for free to registered students. Set an appointment to speak with a CAPS counselor. Our licensed mental health professionals are here and ready to help you.
• Build your support network. Consider those in your close friends, family, significant others that you can reach out for support or positivity. Consider groups in your community, such as school groups, church, teams or work family who are positive connections for you. Connect with supportive spaces with similar experiences and hope-sharing online.
• Use that support network! You’ve identified groups and others who help support and uplift you. I If you feel able to, share your emotions with trusted individuals.
• Consider a safety plan that tracks warning signs, how to cope, supportive people, contacts, crisis lines and safe environment plans.

National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month at Dallas College

Join Dallas College CAPS this month and beyond as we share with our community that there is hope and there is help. For additional information and available resources, visit the Dallas College Suicide Prevention Awareness Month website.

• CAPS counselors will be around our campuses during the week of Monday, Sept. 11–Friday, Sept. 15, to share awareness information, answer questions and provide resources on suicide prevention and awareness.
• Are you passionate about suicide prevention and awareness? Join the Dallas College team to Cycle Around The Globe Sept. 10 through Oct 10.
• Join your peers and Dallas College community members at the World Suicide Prevention Day Walk at North Lake Campus on Monday, Sept. 11, noon–1 p.m.
• Consider attending AS+K Suicide Gatekeeper Training online or in person.
• View all Suicide Prevention Awareness Month events at DallasCollege.edu/SPM.

Dallas College Provides Free Mental Health Counseling for Students

Do you need to speak to someone about something you are dealing with? At Dallas College, we never want you to feel alone. Our licensed mental health professionals are here to help you — for free!

Our team offers in person or virtual individual counseling sessions for any student ages 18+ and currently enrolled in courses for the ongoing semester. Take a look at our services and get to know our team at DallasCollege.edu/CAPS.

To get started, you can email Dallas College Counseling Services at counseling@dallascollege.edu with your name, student ID number, the best number to reach you, and your campus preference (if you have one!). We will respond promptly during normal business hours.

Please note: If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 911, visit the nearest hospital emergency room, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, rather than requesting a counseling session.

Counseling Services Events and Workshops

Our counselors also offer a variety of informational workshops and events to assist students in developing their whole selves – personally, academically, socially, and emotionally! All Counseling Services events are free. We look forward to seeing you!

Explore the events we have planned this semester by visiting our Counseling Workshops and Events page.

This material was written by Dallas College licensed mental health counselors. All views expressed in this piece are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dallas College.