In case of a life-threatening emergency day or night, immediately call the UAB Police Department (934-3535) or 911 or go to the UAB Emergency Department (on the corner of 6th Ave. South and 18th St. South), the UAB Highlands Emergency Department (1201 11th Ave. South) or the nearest Emergency Department.
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What is a suicide threat?
A suicide threat is defined as spoken, written or behavioral indication of self-destructive tendencies with the intent of taking one’s own life.
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Reporting Suicide Threat
**If a student is in immediate danger or has attempted suicide, please contact 911, the UAB Police Department (934-3535), or have the student go to the nearest Emergency Department.
Faculty, staff or students who become aware of a suicide threat or gesture, whether written, verbal or behavioral, should contact Student Counseling Services:
- During business hours: Please call 205-934-5816 during business hours or walk the student to Student Counseling Services in the Student Health and Wellness Center at 1714 9th Avenue, South.
- After hours: On-campus residents should contact their Resident Advisor or Residence Life Coordinator on-call immediately. If the student does not live on campus, contact the UAB Police Department at 934-3535 or 911 if a student is in imminent danger of harm to him/herself or someone else.
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Suicide Attempt
All attempted suicides will be treated as medical emergencies. The attempt may not appear lethal; however, any attempt will be considered serious and will require action. University staff or faculty will not make an independent determination as to the lethality of the attempt. The management of all students who have made suicide attempts will follow the procedures for suicide threats, and will additionally provide immediate notification of the Student Counseling Center and further assessment.
If you or someone you know has attempted suicide, please contact 911 or the UAB Police Department immediately.
How to Identify the Risk Factors for Suicide
- Depression
- Previous suicide attempt
- Excessive alcohol or other drug use
- Rational thinking is lost
- Ending of a significant relationship
- An organized suicide plan
- Isolating himself/herself from friends and family
- Neglecting appearance and hygiene
- Expressing the belief that life is meaningless
- Talking about suicide or death
- Obtaining a weapon or other means of hurting oneself
How to Help Someone
**If a student is in immediate danger or has attempted suicide, please contact 911, the UAB Police Department (934-3535), or have the student go to the nearest Emergency Department.
- Listen intently and let the person express their feelings and emotions.
- Practice reflective listening - reflect back to them what you think they are saying in a non-judgmental manner.
- Validate their feelings and help them to calm and slow down.
- Help them gain the understanding of the situation and regain a sense of control.
- Directly ask them if they have considered suicide (do not just wonder, ask).
- In an immediate emergency situation contact the UAB Police Department at (205) 934-3535.
- Be willing to go with them to get help. Go to Student Counseling Services in the Student Health and Wellness Center (205-934-5816).
Student of Concern, but not a direct suicide threat
If you are concerned about a student who you think could benefit from someone reaching out, and this student is not actively demonstrating suicide threat, you may submit a report to the Office of Student Outreach. They will follow up with you and are able to provide direct outreach to a student and help connect them with resources and support on campus. If a student needs counseling services, they will assist in connecting the student with mental health support.
SUBMIT A REPORT FOR A STUDENT OF CONCERNOpens an external link.
Resources
Birmingham Crisis Line: 205-323-7777
The Birmingham Crisis Center offers support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year.
LEARN MOREOpens an external link.988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. LEARN MOREOpens an external link.