Suicide is a serious public health issue and a leading cause of death for young adults. 10% of American adults have contemplated suicide (afsp.org/statistics). Suicide is also preventable. This page serves as a resource for the Gettysburg College community including information and assistance for those who may be contemplating suicide and their loved ones.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please seek medical attention immediately by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room.
Crisis Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call, Chat or Text: 9-8-8
24/7/365
Crisis Text Line
Text, Chat or What’s App: HOME to 741741
24/7/365
Local Resources
Gettysburg Hospital Emergency Room
147 Gettys Street, 6 blocks south of campus
24/7/365
Wellspan Mobile Crisis Services
717-851-5320
24/7/365
Campus Resources
These resources are all free of charge for currently enrolled Gettysburg College students
Mental Health Services on Campus
250 Broadway (behind Servo Dining Hall)
Drop Ins are available for crisis support: 9 am - 4 pm, Monday - Friday when classes are in session
Appointments are available when classes are session: Call 717-337-6960 (Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5 pm)
Gettysburg College Campus Safety
717-337-6911
For students in crisis who are currently at Gettysburg College (on or off campus) after hours
Call and ask to be connected to the Counselor on Call
24/7 during the academic year
Additional Resources
Common Warning Signs that Someone May be Contemplating Suicide (from the Suicide Research Prevention Center)
Talking about:
- Feeling unbearable pain
- Death or a recent fascination with death
- Feeling hopeless, worthless, or trapped
- Feeling guilt, shame, or anger
- Feeling like they are a burden to others
Changes in behavior or mood:
- Recent suicide attempt
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Losing interest in personal appearance or hygiene
- Withdrawing from family, friends, or community
- Saying goodbye to friends and family
- Giving away prized possessions
- A recent episode of depression, emotional distress, and/or anxiety
- Changes in eating and/or sleeping patterns
- Becoming violent or being a victim of violence
- Expressing rage
- Recklessness
Campus-wide Suicide Prevention
In addition to the intervention services listed above, our campus community is equipped with a variety of prevention and early intervention programs designed to: educate individuals on suicide, develop skills for recognizing the warning signs that someone may be considering suicide and provide strategies for how to intervene.
Prevention: Fresh Check Day, QPR (Question.Persuade.Refer.) Training, social media campaigns, workshops and events
Early Intervention: The CARE Team, Threat Assessment Team, Drop In Services
Additional Information for Employees
If you are a full-time employee struggling with mental health concerns or thoughts of suicide, the Early Assistance Plan by Wellspan (EAP) is available to you. EAP provides regular full-time employees assistance with issues such as depression, marital and family issues, grief, drug and alcohol problems, job-related stress, financial difficulties, and other personal matters. Gettysburg College will pay up to three visits/evaluations and to provide a referral list of practitioners in specific fields of expertise. Services are confidential and will not affect employment.
To learn about WELLSPAN Employee Assistance Program, please visit www.wellspaneap.org
Interested in Learning More?
Contact the Counseling and Wellness Department at: counseling@gettysburg.edu for more information on services including trainings, workshops and suicide prevention programs available at Gettysburg College.