Know the Signs

College is an exciting time to make new friends, learn new things, and open doors for the future. However, it’s easy to get lost in the busy schedule of day-to-day life: spending time with friends, going to class, studying for exams, writing papers, and meeting deadlines. It’s important to take the time to check in with yourself and your friends. Conversations can be difficult to have with a friend who ignores their warning signs. Be aware of your friends’ behaviors and emotions. If you have concerns, speak up. Be persistent.
Be one of the nine.

Signs Someone May Need Help:

Isolating
They are not hanging out with friends, hiding, avoiding social situations, or making plans not to be around. They may also be having problems with peers or finding it difficult to make friends.
Trouble in School
They are missing or failing classes, having trouble concentrating, overly stressed out, or anxious about school or grades.
Change in Mood/Behavior
They have changed significantly, aren't acting like themselves anymore, have started smoking cigarettes recently, or are doing something else that is out of character. Their mood is all over the place and their personality and way of acting are changing dramatically.
Seeming Depressed or Anxious
They are sad a lot of the time, have low energy, are not taking care of their personal hygiene, or are crying frequently without an obvious reason. They are really stressed out or anxious and not coping, may be agitated, and can't handle criticism.
Risk-Taking / Recklessness / Self-Harm
They may be driving irresponsibly, drinking too much, using drugs to excess, or using prescription drugs without medical supervision. They may be hurting themselves intentionally - cutting, burning, hitting, breaking bones, choking, etc.
Talking About Suicide
They are communicating thoughts of suicide, texting, tweeting, or saying things like: I wish I were dead; I'm going to end it all; You will be better off without me; What's the point of living?; Who cares if I'm dead anyway?
Eating Issues
They are eating too much or too little, or have lost or gained a lot of weight in a short period of time.
Sleeping Issues
They are having trouble sleeping, sleeping too much, or sleeping too little.
Experienced Trauma
They recently went through a traumatic event or are experiencing distress from a past trauma and haven't gotten help – bad break-up, death or illness of a loved one, rape or sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, etc.
Giving Away Possessions
They are giving away prized possessions or valuable items like their favorite necklace, movies/music, clothes, a piece of a collection, etc.