If you’re worried about a friend, find a few key resources below.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 (TALK)
- Rosecrance Crisis Line: 217-359-4141
- Local Crisis Line TTY: 217-352-4217
- RACES Hotline (for sexual assault and stalking): 217-384-4444
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 877-384-4390
- Medical Amnesty and Good Samaritan Procedures
Tips on how to support your friend
Parents, family members, friends and others, by virtue of the frequency and nature of their contacts with their loved one are often seen as logical first contacts for advice and support. More importantly, you are often one of the first and sometimes the only person to recognize that your loved one is not functioning well, academically or personally.
Sometimes it is easy to identify those who are struggling and at times their distress is hidden. Here are some obvious and not so obvious signs of distress to look for:
- Inability to concentrate
- Low self-esteem
- Crying spells
- Loss of interest in things that formerly brough pleasure
- Sleeping difficulties
- Lack of energy or fatigue
- Feelings of helplessness/hopelessness
- Suicidal thoughts
- Unusual Behavior
- Disruptive behavior
Although these signs and symptoms may serve as warning signs that a loved one is in distress, most by themselves do not necessarily mean that they have a serious problem that warrants psychological help. (References to suicide or homicide are obvious exceptions.) In general, the more of these behaviors you observe, the more cause there is for concern, particularly if these behaviors persist for more than a few weeks. These are signals that suggest you should consider expressing your concern to your loved one and possibly referring them to mental health services.
Students, faculty, staff, parents, and others are strongly encouraged to report behaviors they feel are concerning or worrisome. Fill out the form.
If suicide is imminent, contact the Police Department immediately or Suicide Prevention Team at the Counseling Center at 217-333-3704 (TTY: 217-244-9146) during the office hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The suicide incident referral form can be completed here.
The emergency dean supports students who are experiencing health or safety emergency situations in which an immediate university response is needed and which cannot wait until the next business day. The emergency dean is not a substitute for trained emergency personnel such as 911, police, or fire professionals.
Emergency Dean hours
Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Friday at 5 p.m. through Monday at 8:30 a.m. and all university holidays
How to reach the Emergency Dean: Individuals wishing to contact the emergency dean should call the University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) Dispatch at 217-333-1216. UIPD personnel will be able to reach the Emergency Dean as appropriate.
Kognito At-Risk is available for faculty, staff, and students. It puts you in realistic situations to determine the best way to approach someone about mental health concerns. The Kognito At-Risk online training simulation will help you to:
- Identify students who are at risk for suicide.
- Motivate distressed students to seek help.
- Put students in touch with support services.
Each training takes 30-60 minutes to complete and is structured as a virtual practice environment where users learn by engaging in interactive role-play conversations with emotionally responsive virtual students. Access the Kognito At-Risk training.