W atch
- Have you noticed any odd or unusual behavior?
- Has the person appeared to be extremely upset, angry, sad, worried, or confused?
- Has the person talked about wanting to hurt themselves, hurt someone else, or lost hope for the future?
- Have other people noticed any markedly different behaviors from the person?
I nquire
- Speak to the person in private
- Ask open-ended questions
- “You haven’t seemed like yourself lately, what’s going on?”
- Ask important questions WITHOUT passing judgment
- “Are you thinking of hurting yourself in anyway?”
- “Have you ever thought of committing suicide?”
- Demonstrate care by letting the person know that you will help them find help for their problem(s)
S uggest
- Strongly encourage the student to seek professional counseling services:
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During business hours (Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm)
- FAU Counseling & Psychological Services (561) 297-3540
- FAU Dean of Students Department (561) 297-3542
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After hours, anytime (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- FAU Police Department (561) 297-3500
E ncourage Help-Seeking
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Support the person by assisting them in making an appointment at the FAU Counseling Center
- Offer to walk with them to the Counseling Center
- Sit with them while they speak with an on-call counselor over the phone
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If the person refuses to seek help:
- Listen to their reasons and continue to encourage them to talk with a professional counselor
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If the person is in immediate danger to themselves or others:
- Call 911 or FAU Police at (561) 297-3500
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If you are unsure how to proceed:
- Contact campus resources