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Mental Health Suicide Prevention Plan
Lycoming College is committed to the health and well-being of its students. College is a time of exploration and transition that at times can be difficult. Distress related to mental health concerns, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, and completed suicides is an unfortunate but very real experience for college students. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, there are many options for immediate support.
Suicide Prevention Hotlines
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- 988
- This free and confidential national crisis line is for anyone who needs emotional support and is available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Lycoming/Clinton Crisis Intervention
Lycoming/Clinton Crisis Intervention
- Center for Community Resources — 1-855-284-2494
- TEXT 63288
- www.ccrinfo.org
- 24/7 Walk-in Assessment Services 200 East Street, Williamsport, PA 17701
- LGBTQ Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
LGBTQ Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- The Trevor Project — 866-488-7386
- The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender National Hotline — 888-843-4564
- Trans Lifeline — 877-565-8860
Trans Lifeline is a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive.
- Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line
- Text HOME to 741741
The Crisis Text Line provides free emotional support and information in any type of crisis, including feeling suicidal. Trained specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- If you are a person of color, you can connect with a trained crisis counselor of color.
Text STEVE to 741741
- Veteran Crisis Line
Veteran Crisis Line
If you're a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, there are caring, qualified VA responders standing by to help 24/7.
- 988 then press 1
- Text to 838255
Crisis Intervention Services
- On Campus
On Campus Crisis Intervention Services
24/7 Emergency support services. To obtain immediate help at any time, one can call the Office of Public Safety.
- (570) 321-4911
- (570) 321-4064
- Off Campus
Off Campus Crisis Intervention Services
- UPMC Susquehanna - Williamsport Emergency Room
- 700 High Street, Williamsport, PA 17701
- (570) 321-1000
- Center for Community Resources
Offers 24/7 walk-in and mobile crisis intervention and assessment services.
- 200 East Street, Williamsport, PA 17701
- 1-855-284-2494
- Wise Options 24-hour crisis hotline
Offers free and confidential services 24/7 for domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent crimes. Trained staff and volunteers provide immediate support and information to help clients deal with crises and offer follow-up assistance to deal with ongoing related issues.
- (570) 323-8167
- (800) 326-8483
Mental Health Services
- On Campus
On Campus
- Lycoming Counseling Services
Wertz 3rd Floor. Services are available to students at no cost. Counselors are on campus weekdays from 8-4:30 PM. All counselors on staff are bound to honor confidentiality except in situations where there exists the potential of harm to yourself or others or there is evidence of current abuse of a child or vulnerable adult.
- 24/7 Emergency support services. To obtain immediate help at any time, call the Office of Public Safety.
- (570) 321-4911
- (570) 321-4064
- Wise Options — Victim Support Services
- Alliance House 47 Ross Street, Williamsport, PA 17701
- (570) 323-8167
- Off Campus
Off Campus
- Diakon Family Life Services
Mental health counseling; psychiatric services; trauma-focused therapy
- (570) 322-7873
- (866) 244-5760
- 435 West Fourth Street, Williamsport, PA
- River Valley Health & Dental Center
Low-cost health and dental care, including behavioral health. Offer complete assessments, brief therapeutic intervention and facilitate referrals.
- (570) 567-5400
- 471 Hepburn Street, Williamsport, PA
- West Branch Drug & Alcohol Abuse Commission
Serving the prevention, intervention, and treatment needs of individuals and families affected by alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
- (570) 323-8543
- (888) 941-2721
- 213 West Fourth Street, Second Floor, Williamsport, PA
- Community Services Group
Outpatient mental health services; psychotherapy; psychiatric evaluations; medication management; individual, marital, family, and group therapy.
- (570) 323-6944
- (877) 907-7970
- Water Tower Square 1000 Commerce Park Drive, Suite 110, Williamsport, PA
- Williamsport Family Medical Center
Individual, group, marital, and family counseling; medical and psychological services; clinical evaluation; physicals; TB, HIV, and STD testing; referrals to other medical and community resources; long-term, on-site methadone maintenance treatment.
- (570) 505-1123
- 2062 Lycoming Creek Road, Suite 8, Williamsport, PA
- Crossroads Counseling
Provides both outpatient and intensive outpatient programs to assist individuals and families with substance abuse and related family problems. Offer specific counseling for perpetrators of domestic violence, DUI offenders, dual diagnosis, anger management and relapse prevention program.
- (570) 323-7535
- 501 East Third Street, Williamsport, PA
- Wise Options
Offers Lycoming County and surrounding communities' comprehensive crisis and counseling services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, including a crisis hotline, emergency shelter, individual and group counseling, and medical and court accompaniments
- (800) 326-8483
- 815 W. Fourth St. Williamsport, PA 17701
Important Information About Depression and Risk
There is no single cause for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Suicide often occurs when a combination of factors presents themselves such as increased stressors, untreated mental illness, and health problems come together to create feelings of hopelessness and despair. Depression is the leading condition associated with suicide and it often goes undiagnosed or treated. Problems such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse increase the risk of suicide, especially if those conditions go untreated. The good news is that the majority of people who actively manage and address their mental health concerns go on to engage in life.
- Symptoms of Depression and other mental illnesses
Symptoms of Depression and other mental illnesses
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Lack of enjoyment/interest in formerly pleasurable activities
- Often feeling sad, down, or "blah"
- Irritability
- Lack of motivation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep or appetite changes
- Frequent crying spells
- Social isolation
- Restlessness
Not everyone who suffers from mental illness has suicidal thoughts. It is the combination of untreated mental health concerns, high stress, and an exhaustion of coping skills that increases risk.
- Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Risk factors are characteristics that increase the chance that someone may try to take their life.
Health
- Mental Health Conditions
- Depression
- Anxiety Disorders
- Substance Abuse
- Bipolar Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Conduct Disorder
- Personality Disorders that include aggression, mood changes, or poor relationships.
- Serious physical health conditions including pain
- Traumatic brain injury
Environmental
- Access to lethal means including firearms and drugs.
- Prolonged stress such as harassment, bullying, relationship problems, or unemployment.
- Stressful life events such as divorce, rejection, financial crisis, life transitions, or loss.
- Exposure to another person's suicide or to sensationalized accounts of suicide.
Historical
- Previous suicide attempts
- Family history of suicide
- Childhood abuse, trauma, or neglect
- Common Warning Signs
Common Warning Signs
A change in behaviors or new behaviors, especially associated with a loss, a life transition, or painful events, is something to look out for. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs prior, either through what they say or what they do.
- If the person talks about:
- Killing themselves
- Feeling hopeless
- Having no reason to live
- Being a burden to others
- Feeling trapped
- Unbearable pain
- If the person displays new or changed behaviors:
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol
- Withdrawing from activities
- Looking for ways to end their life, like searching the internet for means
- Isolation from family and friends
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Visiting or calling people to say good-bye
- Giving away prized possessions
- Aggression
- Fatigue
- If the person displays a change in mood:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Loss of interest
- Irritability
- Humiliation/Shame
- Agitation/Anger
- Sudden improvement or relief
- Protective Factors
Protective Factors
- Access to mental health care, and being proactive about mental health
- Feeling connected to family and community support
- Problem-solving and coping skills
- Limited access to lethal means
- Cultural and religious beliefs that encourage connecting and help-seeking, discourage suicidal behavior or create a strong sense of purpose or self-esteem.
- Intervention — Ways to Help
Intervention — Ways to Help
If you think that someone might be having suicidal thoughts, you can encourage them to talk about how they're feeling. You might feel uncomfortable talking about suicidal feelings. You might not know what to say. This is entirely normal and understandable. It might help to:
- Let them know that you care about them and that they aren't alone.
- Empathize with them. Be aware you don't know exactly how they feel. You could say something like, "I can't imagine how painful this is for you, but I would like to try to understand."
- Be non-judgmental by trying not to criticize or blame them.
- Repeat their words back to them in your own words. This shows that you are listening. Repeating information can also make sure that you have understood it properly.
- Ask about their reasons for living and dying and listen to their answers. Try to explore their reasons for living in more detail.
- Ask if they have felt like this before. If so, ask how their feelings changed last time.
- Reassure them that they won't feel this way forever, and that intensity of feelings can reduce in time.
- Encourage them to focus on getting through the day rather than focusing on the future.
- Ask them if they have a plan for ending their life and what it is.
- Encourage them to seek help that they are comfortable with. Such as help from a doctor or counselor, or support through a charity such as the Samaritans.
- Follow up on any commitments that you agree to.
- Make sure someone is with them if they're in immediate danger.
- Help them to get professional help.
- Get support for yourself.
Not everyone is comfortable directly addressing someone who may be struggling. If you feel unsure of what to say or how to approach the conversation, there are other ways to address the situation.
Communicating with the Campus Community
Lycoming College's Counseling Center provides training and programs for first-year students during orientation in an effort to increase mental health awareness and reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment. The Counseling Center also completes training throughout each semester for faculty, staff, and student organizations about mental health and suicide prevention resources.
Post-Intervention Plans
In the event of an emergency, counseling and support services will be made available to all impacted students and employees. The College will follow its established guidelines for communicating with the Lycoming College Community.
Additional Suicide Prevention Resources