Columbia University Health Services

If you're feeling suicidal, there are many resources available to help you. Suicidal crises are temporary, depression is treatable.

At any time of day or night, if you feel that you or someone you know is at risk, you should call Campus Security at 212-854-5555 (or x99 from any campus phone). The officer on duty will take immediate and appropriate action on your behalf. This may range from contacting the counselor on call to assisting a student who needs immediate hospitalization.

In an acute crisis, students can always dial "911".

Counseling and Psychological Services supports the psychological and emotional well-being of the campus community by providing counseling, consultation, and crisis intervention. For more information go to Making Appointments.

For urgent medical issues when Health Services is closed contact the clinician-on-call at 212 854 9797.

CAVA is a student-operated and NY State certified volunteer ambulance corps that provides pre-hospital emergency medical treatment and transport. Dial 99 from any on-campus phone or 212 854 5555.

Changes in Presentation or Functioning
Some signs of suicidal risk are less obvious and might not spark deep concern. However, if the symptoms below are seen together and represent a significant change or deterioration in a person's presentation or functioning, they may be important to note. In general, having more symptoms can correlates with greater suicide risk.  

• Inability to experience pleasure or have fun, especially in things that were previously a source of satisfaction
• Extremely low self-esteem, excessive guilt, or self-hatred
• Low energy and fatigue
• Changes in appetite: loss of appetite or overeating
• Changes in sleep patterns: insomnia or sleeping too much
• Engaging in risky behaviors like reckless driving or unsafe sex, or consuming excessive alcohol or other drugs
• Increased isolation/social withdrawal
• "I just want to stay in my room and not see anybody."

The risk of suicide is greater in people with a history of a mental health disorder. Again, look for marked withdrawal, deterioration from previous behavior, or a change in the person's presentation or performance (for example, a lack of attention to personal hygiene, repeatedly failing to complete assignments or missing meetings, etc.).

Current or Past Life Events Associated With Increased Suicide Risk
Certain life experiences can be very difficult to integrate into one's sense of self. Especially if a person's ability to cope is compromised, hurting him/herself may seem like a viable solution to trouble they are experiencing. Many people experience some of the events listed below in their lives. Their presence does not necessarily imply that a person will feel suicidal. However, as people experience more of these types of events, their suicide risk increases. 

• Previous suicide attempts
• Pre-existing psychological distress, including severe depression or other forms of mental illness
• Loss or death of loved ones
• Significant disappointments, such as rejections or academic/career set-backs
• History of suicidal behavior or mental illness in close family members
• Recent or past history of sexual or physical abuse
• Other history of violence or trauma  

Additional Things to Look For

• Changes in personality, especially grandiosity or irritability
• Uncharacteristically driven or ‘hyper’ behavior, especially when accompanied by a decreased need for sleep
• Racing thoughts and speech patterns; agitation
• Loss of usual judgment and appropriate caution (spending large sums of money, risky sexual behavior, starting fights)
• Apparent loss of contact with reality. For example, believes he or she has been chosen by God for a special role, especially if suicide is part of the belief.
• Extreme anxiety/panic. "I'm terrified of living without this relationship. I can't be alone."
• Use of alcohol or drugs, which can decrease inhibitions against suicide and self-harm.

Go Ask Alice! is the health question and answer Internet service produced by the Alice! Health Promotion Program. If it's on your mind, it's probably on Go Ask Alice!

At any time of day or night, if you feel that you or someone you know is at risk, you should call Campus Security at 212-854-5555 (or x99 from any campus phone). The officer on duty will take immediate and appropriate action on your behalf. This may range from contacting the counselor on call to assisting a student who needs immediate hospitalization.

In an acute crisis, students can always dial "911".

Counseling and Psychological Services supports the psychological and emotional well-being of the campus community by providing counseling, consultation, and crisis intervention. For more information go to Making Appointments.

For urgent medical issues when Health Services is closed contact the clinician-on-call at 212 854 9797.

CAVA is a student-operated and NY State certified volunteer ambulance corps that provides pre-hospital emergency medical treatment and transport. Dial 99 from any on-campus phone or 212 854 5555.