After Hours Emergency Situations - Physical Harm to Self or Others
The most important thing you can do is reach out to someone and try to remain calm. You don't want to be alone. If it is an emergency, call Einstein Security at 1-718-430-2180 or NYPD call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room (i.e.,Weiler or Jacobi).
If you unsure if it is an emergency and the Office of Academic Support and Counseling is closed, call the LIFENET helpline at 1-800-543-3638 for local referrals.
Helping Someone in Trouble
Here are some common signs that someone may be having emotional troubles or even feeling suicidal:
- References to death or suicide in conversation, jokes, or writings
- Preoccupation with death and dying
- Withdrawal from friends and social activities
- Loss of interest in schoolwork, work, and other activities
- Abrupt changes in behavior, mood or appearance
- Pursuit of dangerous activities
- References to previous suicide attempts
- Drug or alcohol problems
- Signs of depression: crying, hopelessness, sleeping or eating problems, low energy, low self-esteem, excessive guilt
Here are ways to be helpful when someone shows some of these signs:
- Take the signs seriously.
- Ask to talk to the person.
- Say you are concerned. Point out the signs you've noticed.
- Be willing to listen. Don't judge or give lots of advice or try to cheer up the person.
- If it's unclear that the person is suicidal, ask, "Have things gotten so bad that you're actually thinking of hurting yourself?" Asking about suicide is a sign of caring.
- Don't be sworn to secrecy. Say that you need to talk with someone to make sure they are safe.
- If the person is acutely suicidal, they may do something right away. Do not leave them alone. Have someone else promptly call AECOM Security 1-718-430-2180 or 911.
- If the situation is not an immediate emergency, refer the person to LIFENET Behavioral Health Services 1-800-543-3638. Tell the person at risk that you will make the call and explain the situation.