Suicide Prevention

Suicide most often occurs when stressors and problems overwhelm a person’s current ability to cope. There is no single cause for suicide. Although depression is the most common diagnosis people think of when they think of suicide, many other conditions, including (but not limited to) anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse increase the risk for suicide. This risk further increases when these conditions go undiagnosed and/or untreated.

In New Jersey, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 34. In 2017, 795 people died by suicide in New Jersey, and 27% of these deaths were individuals between the ages of 15-34   (Centers for Disease Control, 2019).

Help Is Available

There are many resources, on and off campus, to help people struggling with stress.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, or you are having thoughts of suicide, contact a mental health professional from the GCU Counseling Center at 732-987-2680. You can also visit the Counseling Center on the second floor of the Casino, in Room 218.

After normal business hours, you can contact GCU Campus Safety at 732-987-2611, or you can call Monmouth Medical Center-Southern Campus Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services (P.E.S.S.) at 732-886-4474. Monmouth Medical Center-Southern Campus is located at 600 River Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701. If you are a resident student, you can also talk to your RA.

Off-campus resources include:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24-Hour): 800-273-8255
• NJ Hopeline (24-Hour): 855-654-6735

Concerned About a Student?

Georgian Court University is a community that cares. Each of us plays a role in supporting one another’s well-being. If you are not sure what to do about a student who is under stress, and they are NOT in immediate danger, call the Counseling Center at 732-987-2680 or the Director of Student Advocacy and Success at 732-987-2315. You can share your concern, and your friend will be contacted by the appropriate resource.

If you believe the student is in immediate danger, call the Counseling Center immediately at 732-987-2680 or Campus Safety at 732-987-2611.

Take Five to Save Lives

Taking five minutes out of your day could prevent a death by suicide. Visit the following link to learn the signs of suicide, how to help, how to practice self-care, how to reach out, and how to spread the word: https://www.take5tosavelives.org/take-5-steps