AUBURN, Ala. (EETV) – Suicide was the second leading cause of death among people ages 15-24 in the U.S. in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As students adjust to life on campus, they face major transitions like isolation, academic pressure, relationship problems, financial stress, and other challenges.
Suicide is a difficult and sensitive topic to address. Because of this, students may notice a change in someone’s behavior without knowing when to intervene, what to say and where to turn for support.
A survivor interviewed by North Carolina State University said, “I wanted someone to realize I needed help, that I needed someone to talk to.”
Suicide prevention doesn’t necessarily begin in a counseling office. It can begin with a friend, roommate, or classmate recognizing that someone is struggling and knowing how to respond.
Auburn University Student Counseling & Psychological Services (SCPS) recommends a suicide prevention program called QPR, which stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer. This program teaches three steps that can help people recognize warning signs of a suicide crisis, respond to someone who may be struggling, and connect them with help. Auburn’s QPR training also covers common myths and facts about suicide, tips for asking about suicide, ways to encourage someone to seek help, and methods for referring individuals to local resources.
Prevention also means making it easier for students to seek help for themselves. Auburn’s Student Counseling & Psychological Services is the university’s primary mental health counseling center and provides preventative and clinical mental health services to currently enrolled students. Students can call 334-844-5123 or visit SCPS to schedule an appointment.
For students experiencing an urgent mental health crisis, SCPS provides emergency services during regular university hours. After hours, on weekends and during holidays, students can call 334-844-5123 to speak with an after-hours counselor. In an immediate threat to a student’s health or safety, Auburn advises calling 911.
If a student wants to meet with a professional face-to-face during university hours, the SCPS office is on the second floor of the Auburn University Med Clinic at 400 Lem Morrison Drive, in Suite 2086. The other office is on the ground floor of the Haley Center, beneath the bookstore, at 351 Thach Concourse.
Recognizing that someone is struggling is only the first step. Whether a student is concerned about a friend or experiencing a crisis themselves, Auburn’s resources offer several ways to connect with support. Students do not have to determine the seriousness of a situation on their own before reaching out. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, reach out and refer them to a safe outlet above or at https://scps.auburn.edu/.
