If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the Counseling Emergency Number (+34) 609 269 323. An English-speaking mental health professional will be there to help you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The counselors at the Saint Louis University — Madrid Campus Counseling Center support students who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. SLU-Madrid's Crisis Management Team of counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and Student Life staff collaborate to ensure the well-being and safety of all students.
In the case of a psychiatric emergency outside of normal business hours, you can:
- Go to your nearest emergency room for medical attention or call 112 if you are facing a life-threatening emergency.
- Call SLU-Madrid's Counseling Emergency number: (+34) 609 269 323. This number will connect you to a highly trained mental health provider at Sinews Multilingual Therapy Institute at any time of day or night.
Risk Factors and Warning Signs
According to the World Health Organization:
- There is a link between suicide and mental disorders, but many are completed impulsively in moments of crisis. Experiencing disaster, violence, abuse, loss or isolation are all associated with suicidal behavior.
- Suicide rates are high among vulnerable groups who experience discrimination.
- The strongest risk factor for suicide is a previous suicide attempt.
Some warning signs to look out for are:
- A person expresses intent to harm themselves (directly or indirectly), or:
- Expresses a hopeless outlook.
- Preoccupation with death or planning for it (for example, putting affairs in order, saying goodbye).
- Appears depressed and "checked out."
- Shows increased use of alcohol or other substances.
- Shows a general disregard or neglect toward their own life and responsibilities.
If you are preoccupied with a student's mental health or general well-being, you can contact us, and we will anonymously conduct a student care check.
If you need more information about suicide prevention or would like to learn more about what to do if someone in your life is going through a crisis, consider participating in Saint Louis University's Ask, Listen, Refer training program, designed for all students, faculty and staff of the Saint Louis University community to help prevent suicide.