Suicide Prevention
Need Help Now
If you need immediate support, there are services available 24/7. If there is an immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, contact 911.
Ask for help
The truth is that asking for help is hard. Where do you go? Who do you talk to? What do you say? Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it takes a lot of courage to start this process.
Here are some tips that may help you along the way:
- Help comes in many different forms. One-on-one, peer support groups, different cultural backgrounds, anonymously, and within communities, to name a few. It’s also okay to try one type of support and decide it’s not right for you. Support isn’t one-size-fits-all and sometimes you need to try a few types to know what feels best.
- Communicate your needs as clearly as you can. Being honest and assertive helps the people supporting you provide the best care they can. Many of us downplay our own needs or diminish the importance of our feelings, but remember: you deserve support. Be prepared that you may need to wait or talk to a few people before the process gets officially started.
- Ask Questions. It’s okay to be unsure and want more information. You are not expected to know everything when it comes to seeking help.
Where to start
- Wellness Supports Social Workers
- Free, confidential supportive case management services to students on a one-to-one basis provided by a team of registered social workers.
- 211 Alberta
- Call or text with a 211 support staff, who can help navigate resource options in Alberta. 211 can help in finding support for mental health, finances, basic needs, legal aid, and much more. You can also browse all resource options yourself online.
- UASUCares.ca
- An interactive wellness tool that highlights some resource options both on and off campus for undergraduate students, narrowed down by topic.
- How to choose a counsellor
- This document provides information on the process of finding the right counsellor for you.
- Graduate Student Assistance Program (GSAP)
- Counselling services, legal consultations, financial support and information, and other resources for graduate students.
Find your sources of strength
Identify your sources of strength if you are contemplating suicide. Sources of strength are factors that can protect and support you when in crisis. Here are some sources of strength that you may identify in your life:
Connection
Feeling connected to others such as your family, friends and community can be a source of strength in times of crisis. The connections you have with the people around you can provide spaces of comfort, inspiration, and shared experiences.
We encourage you to reach out to the people in your life or look into the following resources to foster connection:
Support
A reliable support system you can turn to in the event of a crisis is vital in giving you the tools needed to overcome the feeling of crisis. Reaching out to help is a sign of strength and resilience.
There are many resources available both on and off campus that can provide support to you when in crisis:
Health
The body is an integral part of wellbeing. Being properly nourished and living an active lifestyle not only build physical strength but also mental strength. Being in tune with your body’s physical needs and wants will help to provide a better understanding of your mental capacity.
Here are resources on campus for you to explore for nutrition, health, and being active:
Safety
Having a safe space to live and reside in can act as a dependable environment when in times of crisis. When people are in crisis, a safe environment can contribute to fostering regulation of emotion and well-being as your body’s nervous system physically calms itself when presented with a familiar space.
Please seek out the following resources if you need a safe environment to live in:
Self-guided resources
Here are some additional self-guided resources:
- Audio Relaxation
- Recordings by Counselling and Clinical Services offer relaxation exercises.
- WellTrack Boost
- A free online self-guided program for students to learn more about coping with stress, anxiety and depression.