The latest report from the National Institute of Mental Health indicates that millions of people around the U.S. think about suicide each year.
What Leads to Suicide? "There is no one single cause. Suicide most often occurs when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair." -American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
If you or someone you know has been considering suicide, this page has information and resources that can help.
How to Help Someone Who Is Having Thoughts of Suicide – SAVE
Help Someone Else : Lifeline (suicidepreventionlifeline.org)
When a Friend Is Feeling Suicidal (verywellmind.com)
Helping a Loved One Who is Suicidal: SAMHSA_Toolkit_3182121
Here are a few examples of compassionate statements:
“I’m so sorry you’re going through this.” This statement shows that you care for and empathize with them.
“Can I bring you dinner? Would you like it if I came over?” Instead of asking if there’s anything you can do, think of a couple specific things that you could do to support them.
"You mean so much to me. I can’t imagine life without you.” Take a moment to let your friend know just how much you love and care for them. You might even remind them of a funny or heartwarming memory.
“I know that you’re in pain.” Again, validate how your friend is feeling and reiterate to them that you are there to help.
After listening to your friend, you can be more direct by asking the following questions:
Do you think about hurting yourself?
Do you think about dying?
Do you think your friends and family would be better off without you?
If they answer yes to any of these questions, then follow up with these questions:
Do you have a plan?
Do you have the means to carry out that plan?
If your friend answers no to these questions, encourage them to seek help from a counselor or therapist. You can offer to help them find resources.
If your friend answers yes to either of these questions, they could be actively suicidal. Seek help immediately by contacting their therapist if they have one, taking them to a hospital for an evaluation, or calling 911.
Assisting a suicidal individual, especially a family member or friend, is challenging; remember to take care of yourself!
Adapted from My Friend Is Suicidal: What Should I Do? | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)—2 days
ASIST » LivingWorks Education
Suicide Alertness for Everyone (safeTalk)—4 hours
SafeTalk Suicide Prevention Course | LivingWorks
S.A.V.E.: VA Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training—1-2 hours
VA S.A.V.E. Training
Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) for Suicide Prevention—1.5 hours
Suicide Prevention Classes - NAMI Minnesota (namimn.org)
If you are currently in a life-threatening situation or your safety is at risk, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit your nearest emergency room.
If you or a friend are experiencing a mental health emergency, follow our “Keep Calm and Trust the Desk” student crisis protocol.
Stay calm. Bring the student to the Advising, Counseling, & Career Center desk in the College Services Building C1115 or call 952-358-8261.
State clearly that this is a crisis (urgent) situation. Using this language will ensure that the desk staff know that the student needs to see a counselor immediately and it’s time to put the crisis protocol into action.
Trust the desk. We have a protocol where counselors are on duty for crisis situations during certain days and times, and can be called out of meetings or other duties as needed. Our Advising, Counseling and Career Center staff have been trained and know the protocol.
Additional Mental Health Referrals and Resources
In the course of providing personal counseling to students, many are referred to appropriate community resources. A partial listing is provided at our Student Resource Center.
If you or a friend are experiencing a mental health emergency after the college is closed contact these resources.
Community Outreach for Psychiatric Emergencies (COPE)
Hennepin County 24-hour crisis line; COPE will send out a professional to assess and determine if hospitalization is needed. 612-596-1223
Other County Mental Health Crisis Lines – 24/7 availability
Anoka County 763-755-3801
Carver and Scott Counties 952-442-7601
Dakota County 952-891-7171
Hennepin County – Adults 612-596-1223
Hennepin County – Children 612-348-2233
Ramsey County – Adults 651-266-7900
Ramsey County – Children 651-774-7000
Washington County 651-777-5222
Crisis Text Line Text MN to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988 or 800-273-8255
National Suicide Prevention Chat Start by filling out a brief survey.
Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) - Acute Psychiatric Services 612-873-3161 Suicide Hotline 612-873-2222
Trevor Lifeline 1-866-488-7386 or Text START to 678678
Trevor Project Chat
Trans Lifeline 877-565-8860
National Human Trafficking Hotline 888-373-7888 or Text HELP to 233733 (BEFREE)
The Advising and Counseling Department at Normandale Community College does not assume responsibility for the quality of services provided by outside agencies or websites listed. Inclusion in the list does not imply endorsement nor does omission indicate disapproval.
If you or a friend are experiencing a mental health emergency, go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Here is a partial list of area emergency rooms.
Hennepin Country Medical Center Acute Psychiatric Services—Crisis Center
701 Park Avenue Minneapolis MN 55415
www.hcmc.org
612-873-3161 (For recorded directions, call 612-873-9800).
Abbott Northwestern Hospital
800 East 28th Street Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-863-4000
https://www.allinahealth.org/
Fairview Ridges Hospital
201 E Nicollet Blvd Burnsville, MN 55337
952-892-2000
www.fairview.org
Fairview Southdale Hospital
6401 France Ave. S. Edina, MN 55435
952-924-5000
www.fairview.org
St. Francis Regional Medical Center
1455 St. Francis Ave. Shakopee, MN 55379
952-428-3000
www.stfrancis-shakopee.com
Two Twelve Medical Center
111 Hundertmark Road Chaska, MN 55318
952-361-2447
www.twotwelvemedical.org
The Advising and Counseling Department at Normandale Community College does not assume responsibility for the quality of services provided by outside agencies or websites listed below. Inclusion in the list does not imply endorsement nor does omission indicate disapproval.
If you or a friend are experiencing a mental health emergency, consider getting aid from your local police.
Bloomington Police
1800 W Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington, MN 55431
952-563-4900
A Simple Conversation Can Help Save a Life
Knowing the signs of suicide is important in helping someone who may be at risk. By offering your understanding, reassurance, and support, you can help your loved one or friend seek the help they need. Empower yourself to recognize and help those who are struggling by becoming more informed and prepared through our various training opportunities.