Worried About a Friend?

Overview

The transition to college and the struggle of balancing school, work, and family responsibilities can feel overwhelming. Often it's friends and family who notice concerning changes in behavior before anyone else. This means that you may have the opportunity to help your friend or loved one gain access to resources and help as early as possible to best support them.

There are several warning signs that you may notice that could be indicators that your friend or loved one may benefit from counseling:

  • Seeming EXCESSIVELY tired, anxious, depressed, irritable, angry, moody, or sad.
  • Noticeable changes in your friend's appearance, dress, or habits (such as poor grooming or hygiene, rapid weight loss or gain, withdrawing from social activities, or a change in academic performance).
  • Seeming hopeless or helpless
  • Use of alcohol or other substances that interferes with relationships, work, or school.
  • Thoughts, actions or behaviors that seem out of character, unusual, or bizarre.
  • ANY type of comment indicating that they may be thinking about harming themselves or others.

If you notice any of these warning signs or you're just generally concerned about a friend and think they'd benefit from counseling, please consider one of the following options:

  1. If it's an emergency and someone's life is in immediate danger, contact 911 immediately.
  2. If there's no immediate safety concern but you are worried about a friend, the Counseling and Wellness Center staff would be happy to have a consultation with you to discuss the situation. Please call 352-395-5508 to speak with a counselor or to schedule a time to come in.
  3. Make a report through the Santa Fe College Safe Santa Fe Reporting System.
  4. Call an anonymous hotline. There is always someone available on-call to discuss your concerns anonymously. Making a call today can make a significant difference.

    Alachua County Crisis Center – 352-264-6789
    Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-TALK(8255)
    Suicide Prevention Lifeline for Hearing Impaired Individuals 1-800-799-4889
    de Prevención del Suicidio – 1-888-628-9454
    Veterans Crisis Line – 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)