The Counseling Center offers walk-in counseling services for these students on a daily basis (Monday through Friday.) If you are in crisis or finding it difficult to cope with your current circumstances, call 457-5330 or come to the office at 132 Gildemeister. Inform the Office Manager that you really need to see a counselor today if possible. Every effort will be made to schedule you as soon as possible.
What else can I do to help manage my distress?
In addition to the walk-in counseling for students in distress, here are some other steps you can take to help manage these times:
** Identify the specific source of distress and write down positive strategies for responding to it.
** Talk with a trusted family member, mentor, or friend.
** Spend time with others, even if you don’t feel like talking. Find someone or someplace that feels safe and comforting.
** Engage in activities that help you feel better (e.g., listen to relaxing music, exercise, go for a walk, journal, or do a relaxation exercise).
** Get plenty of rest.
** Don’t make any major life decisions or big life changes if at all possible.
** If you have thoughts of harming yourself (or others), secure help right away by coming to the Counseling Center. If you feel dangerously out of control, consider going to the emergency room at Community Memorial Hospital (855 Mankato Ave., Winona ~ across from Target) or calling 911.
What if I am experiencing thoughts of suicide?
Most individuals at one time or another have thoughts of harming themselves. If you are experiencing general thoughts of suicide (e.g., “life would be so much easier if…”) without a plan, this is the time to come to the Counseling Center for assistance. Individuals who are experiencing suicidal thoughts may be struggling with depression and/or anxiety, and these illnesses can be treated!
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide AND have a plan, the best place for the most immediate care is the hospital. Call the police, 911, or go straight to the Emergency Room at Community Memorial Hospital (855 Mankato Avenue, 457-4328). Other WSU students have gone to the hospital when they are at a high risk for suicide and most would probably report that although it was not the most pleasurable experience (who wants to go to the hospital, right?), the staff at the hospital is friendly and it was immensely helpful. They will help you get back on track very quickly! You are also welcome at the Counseling Center and we will help facilitate a safety plan. If you are very suicidal AND have a plan, counselors will facilitate your visit to the hospital and/or help you talk with your parents about your suicidal thoughts. If you come to the Counseling Center, alert the front desk of your need to see a counselor immediately.
If at all possible, don’t be alone. Find someone – a friend, RA, Hall Director – to be with until appropriate assistance has been obtained.
I think my friend is suicidal. What do I do?
You may not be suicidal, but you may have a friend who is experiencing these thoughts. Watch for the warning signs! Some of the signs may include the following:
• Giving away prized objects,
• Putting one’s affairs in order,
• Saying goodbye,
• Statements such as “I wish I were dead” or “I don’t want to keep going,” or
• A preoccupation with death.
Follow the “Do and Don’t List” to help your friend:
• Do take all suicidal behavior seriously and get your friend help!
• Don’t keep suicidal thoughts a secret. Don’t enter into secret “arrangements” with your friend. In other words, if your friend tells you about his or her suicidal thoughts but says, “Please don’t tell anyone,” don’t agree.
• Do express your concerns to your friend (“I care about you and want you to get help”) and ask him or her to go to the Counseling Center or the Hospital.
• Don’t try to take on the counselor role yourself…suicidal friends need professional counseling. We have seen well-intentioned friends also become depressed.
• Do accompany your friend to the Counseling Center or the Hospital if possible.
• Don’t leave your friend alone…stay with your friend until appropriate assistance has been obtained.
• Do talk to your friend’s RA or Hall Director.
• Do contact your friend’s parents.
• Do realize that sometimes friends will get angry because you intervened, but after the immediate threat they are usually grateful that someone cared. You will have saved your friend’s life!
• Don’t hesitate to come see a counselor at the Counseling Center for guidance. We won’t call or drag your friend in, but we can certainly offer you support.
• Above all, do take care of yourself in the process…dealing with a suicidal friend can be very difficult and stressful!
What do I do if the Counseling Center is closed and I have a crisis?
The Counseling Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. We are closed during the same holidays you have throughout the academic year. We are also closed over summer break. If you are experiencing a crisis, please use the following resources (accessible 24 hours/day, 7 days/week):
Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center – Winona 454-4341
WSU Security 457-5555
RAs or Hall Directors.
For other problems, you may find some helpful information located under Self-Help Links.
Last Modified: Friday, January 25, 2008 14:19 by Deborah Dickenson
