Suicidal Thoughts
Wellness Information
Everyone struggles at times—if you or someone you know is in crisis, you are not alone and help is available.
Crisis Support
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available.
During business hours (M–F, 8am–4:00pm):
- UHCS offers same-day emergency appointments. Call (262) 472-1305 or walk in—there’s always a counselor available during clinic hours.
After hours:
UW After Hours Crisis Line: 262-472-1305
Walworth County Crisis: 1-800-365-1587
Jefferson County Crisis: 1-920-674-3105
Rock County Crisis Line: 1-608-757-5025
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
Emergency: 911
You’re Not Alone
College can be overwhelming—classes, work, relationships, and family stress can sometimes feel like too much. Many students experience thoughts like “I wish I wasn’t here.” It may feel isolating, but these experiences are more common than you might think, and support is available.
Suicidal thoughts often come from treatable concerns like stress, depression, or anxiety. Talking about it—whether with a counselor, a trusted friend, or family member—can help lighten the burden. You don’t have to go through it alone.
Helping a Friend
If you’re concerned about someone, asking directly—“Are you thinking about suicide?”—is one of the most helpful things you can do.
If they say yes, ask if they have a plan.
Encourage them to talk with a counselor, reach out to crisis lines, or confide in someone they trust.
If they are in immediate danger, call 911.
Warning Signs
- Talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless
- Searching for ways to hurt oneself
- Feeling trapped, burdensome, or in unbearable pain
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawal, reckless behavior, or extreme mood swings
You don’t have to have the answers—just help connect them to support. Whether it’s UHCS, a crisis line, or another trusted resource, there are people ready to listen and help.
Resources
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Crisis Text Line
Recognize Respond Refer
Take the Recognize Respond Refer canvas course to learn strategies to Recognize signs of distress, Respond with compassion and confidence, and Refer to supportive resources. This is a free, 1 hour Canvas training. Enroll today.
Faculty & Staff:https://uwwtw.instructure.com/enroll/A7F946
Undergraduate Students: https://uwwtw.instructure.com/enroll/P9FDBD
Graduate Students: https://uwwtw.instructure.com/enroll/39WB3D
Disclaimer
All information on this website is written by UHCS professional staff unless otherwise noted. No data is collected on visitors to this site. Financial Support for this web site is provided by University Health & Counseling Service, Division of Student Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. This web site does not accept advertising.
This site is not meant to replace the advice of a health care or counseling professional. You should not rely on any information on these pages, or information generated for you by this site, to replace consultations with qualified professionals regarding your own specific situation. Some links take you to a source outside of UHCS. The owners of that site, not UHCS, are responsible for the content.
