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Suicide Prevention

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.