At The Ohio State University at Mansfield, we care about the mental health and well-being of students, staff, and faculty. Suicide impacts people of all ages, incomes, cultures, racial, ethnic, and religious groups in all parts of the country and around the world. To learn more about suicide prevention at The Ohio State University, click here.
Suicide Prevention Resources
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for those having suicidal thoughts or experiencing overwhelming distress or a substance use crisis.
If you or someone you know needs help immediately, please call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room. You may also text START to 741741 or dial The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255). If you are on campus, you can contact Campus Security at 419-755-4346.
New Directions Student Assistance Program (SAP)
Students may make campus appointments by calling the private office number at 419-529-9941. This line is answered 24/7/365.
Veterans Crisis Line
Military personnel and veterans can dial 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 to talk to someone now. Veterans can start a confidential online chat session at www.veteranscrisisline.net. Veterans can send a text message to 838255 to connect to a VA responder now.
HelpLine of Richland County
HelpLine updates and maintains the resource directory to link people with available services in and around Richland County. Call 419-522-4357, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to talk with a LIVE information and support specialist.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.
- Trevor Lifeline 1-866-488-7386 - it's free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- TrevorText - Available on Fridays (4-8 p.m. EST and 1-5 p.m. PST). Text the word “Trevor” to 1-202-304-1200. Standard text messaging rates apply.
- TrevorChat - Available 7 days a week (3 - 9 p.m. EST / 12 - 6 p.m. PST)
Steve Fund
The Steve Fund is dedicated to the mental health and emotional well-being of students of color.
ULifeline
ULifeline is an anonymous online resource to learn more about your thoughts and feelings, and to reach out for help if necessary. Visit ULifeline.org to take a confidential screening, to research mental health conditions, or to locate resources on campus.
NAMI Richland County
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Richland County is dedicated to improving the lives of family members, friends and persons with mental illness through education, outreach, support, referral and advocacy. Phone: (419) 522-6264.
Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF)
The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) is a prevention, education and resource foundation dedicated to providing suicide prevention organizations information and resources, raise awareness, eliminate stigma, and increase help-seeking behavior for all Ohioans. OSPF also provides a variety of diverse suicide prevention gatekeeper trainings, outreach programming, and suicide prevention hotline in the State of Ohio.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is an organization dedicated to raising awareness, funding scientific research and providing resources and aid to those affected by suicide. Through advocacy, research, education and interactive screening programs, AFSP is also committed to bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP’s support page is a resource to find support for yourself or someone you may know struggling with suicidal thoughts or behaviors. They can also be reached Toll-Free at: 1-888-333-AFSP (2377).
Recognize Warning Signs
Warning Signs that someone may be suicidal include:
- Talking about wanting to die
- Looking for a way to kill oneself
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious, agitated, or recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
Act
If you are concerned that someone is suicidal, please take action.
- Do not leave the person alone
- Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs, or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Take the person to an emergency room, or seek help from a medical or mental health professional
Understand Protective Factors
Protective Factors buffer individuals from suicidal thoughts and behavior. Identifying and understanding protective factors are equally as important as knowing warning signs. Some protective factors include:
- Effective clinical care for mental, physical, and substance abuse disorders
- Easy access to a variety of clinical interventions and support for help seeking
- Family and community support (connectedness)
- Support from ongoing medical and mental health care relationships
- Skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, and nonviolent ways of handling disputes
- Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support instincts for self-preservation
Thanks to Columbus State Community College for their excellent website.
Other Mental Health Resources
Student Assistance
Program provided in partnership with New Directions