Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan

Ask a question, save a life.

Drexel University's Counseling Center is committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and connected campus community. Our suicide prevention plan outlines our services and offers resources to reduce risk and support students who are in distress. We also aim to build a culture of care and awareness across campus.

Mental Health On-Campus Resources

The Drexel University Counseling Center addresses the mental health needs of undergraduate and graduate students at the University. All services are free and confidential.

The following are for Drexel undergraduate and graduate students:

24/7 Drexel Counseling Center Crisis Line:
215.416.3337
Counseling Center (during regular business hours):
215.895.1415
Drexel University Public Safety (if someone's safety is at immediate risk):
215.895.2222 or dial 911

Off-Campus Resources

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 (U.S. Armed Forces Veterans, press 1)
24/7 Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
The Trevor Project Lifeline (LGBTQ Youth): Text START to 678-678 or call 1.866.488.7386

University of Pennsylvania Hospital
34th and Spruce streets
Phone: 215.662.3920

Hall Mercer Crisis Response Center at Pennsylvania Hospital
800 Spruce Street
Phone: 215.829.5433

Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

Suicide is the act of deliberately ending one’s life. It is the second leading cause of death among college students. Individuals who may be suffering from a recent stressful event, such as the loss of a relationship, failed exams and classes, or financial troubles may be more likely to attempt suicide. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors are treatable.

Common Signs of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

People who are suicidal often tell others about their thoughts or show warning signs to family and friends. Understanding warning signs and acting quickly is crucial in suicide prevention. Here are some possible signs of suicidal thinking and behaviors:

Talking, threatening, or writing about death, dying, and suicide
Looking for ways to kill themselves by seeking access to firearms, pills, or other means
Expressing guilt (e.g., "I'm a terrible person"), helplessness, worthlessness ("Everyone would be better off without me"), or hopelessness (e.g., "What's the point, things will never get better")
Violent mood swings or sudden changes in personality
Sudden decrease in academic performance
Withdrawal from everyday life and support network
Asking about or actively seeking access to means to self-harm (e.g., weapons, pills, etc.)
Giving away personal possessions
Changes in drug or alcohol use
Changes in sleeping and eating
Changes in physical health and neglecting hygiene/grooming habits
Significant difficulty adjusting to a lost relationship
Erratic behavior that cannot be explained
Self-destructive behavior

What if I am Having Suicidal Thoughts?

Reach out to someone you feel you can trust (a parent, family member, or friend). It might help you feel less alone and overwhelmed if you talk about your feelings. Remember, now is not the time to worry about hurting their feelings — if it seems like a good friend or family member doesn't "get it," move on to someone else who can listen in a way that helps you and give you support in a way that is useful.

Remember feelings are temporary. Feelings come and go and are not permanent. Sometimes taking a nap, watching a show, or going to bed when feeling particularly low can reset your mood, at least enough for the suicidal thoughts to dissipate. Breathing or grounding exercises can help too.

Make an appointment to speak to a therapist. Call/email/walk to the Counseling Center and ask to be seen as soon as possible. If asked about the request for an urgent appointment, share that you are having thoughts of harming yourself. When you have thoughts of suicide, it is best not to put off talking about your struggles — this is a very vulnerable time for you and the sooner you find support and guidance, the better.

Connect to an academic advisor or a religious/faith counselor. Most faith and academic professionals have access to resources to get you help.

Call a crisis hotline to talk with someone who has experience with these issues and can offer you support and connect you to resources.

Remember: With time and support, it can get better. Even if suicidal thoughts and impulses come and go (or even go away), they are an indication that there is a serious problem and seeking professional help is the best way to get better.

Campus Suicide Prevention

Members of the Drexel Community can participate in training to become QPR Gatekeepers. Participants (Gatekeepers) will learn to:

Recognize warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide.
Understand common myths and facts associated with suicide.
Receive tips for asking questions about suicide.
Know how to offer hope.
Learn methods for persuading people who are suicidal to get help.
Learn ways of referring to University and local resources.

The Counseling Center aims to be in communication with students with information about mental health support resources. Three times per term, students will receive emails reminding them about mental health services, including Peer Counseling. The Counseling Center also offers a video for all incoming first year students as part of their onboarding process.

In the unfortunate event of a campus crisis, including a suicide of a student, the Dean of Students, Office of the Senior VP for EMSS, and Counseling Center will work to provide a comprehensive response plan. The plan includes the provision of resources, support, and communication to the impacted campus community. The office will coordinate with relevant campus and local partners to ensure a tailored response that addresses the community's need. This may include reaching out to close contacts and offering debriefing and/or support groups and healing spaces.

Contact Us

Crisis Resources