September is Suicide Prevention Month, an opportunity to honor those impacted by suicide, promote prevention and connect the University community with mental health resources.
At Clemson University, the month highlights Tigers Together, Clemson’s comprehensive suicide prevention initiative. Tigers Together works to enhance student safety and well-being by reducing risk factors, strengthening protective factors, facilitating suicide prevention advocacy training, reducing stigma and fostering a community of care.
Suicide prevention is a shared responsibility. Through collaboration across the University community, Tigers Together promotes a campus environment where students feel connected, supported and comfortable reaching out for help.
Supporting mental health and well-being
The college experience includes academic, personal and social transitions that can contribute to stress. While strategies such as connecting with peers, establishing healthy routines, getting enough rest and spending time outdoors can support well-being, professional assistance may be helpful when stress or emotional distress becomes overwhelming.
The 2025 National College Health Assessment found that 35% of college students reported being diagnosed with anxiety, and 26% of college students reported being diagnosed with depression.
Mental health looks different for everyone. Some people may never need therapy, while others may find professional counseling to be an important part of their well-being. Regardless of where someone falls on that continuum, mental health deserves attention and care.
There are numerous on-campus resources available to support students’ holistic well-being:
- Academic Success Center
- Campus Recreation
- Canvas Well-Being Resources
- Center for Career and Professional Development
- Gantt Center for Student Experience
- Healthy Campus
- Holistic Well-Being Coaching
In addition to using these resources, here are some ways you can create a supportive campus environment and contribute to suicide prevention:
- Become a suicide prevention advocate by registering for one of the Tigers Together Suicide Prevention Advocacy Training open sessions taking place on Sept. 14 and 22. This training equips participants with the knowledge, skills and resources to identify signs of distress, offer immediate assistance and guide others toward professional support.
- Request a Tigers Together Suicide Prevention Advocacy Training for your group or organization.
- Follow @clemsonhealthycampus on Instagram for updates, resources and well-being information.
Knowing the warning signs of suicide, how to help and the available resources is an important way to help prevent suicide.
Recognizing warning signs
Warning signs may indicate that someone is at risk for suicide, particularly when a behavior is new, has increased or appears connected to a painful event, loss or change. Warning signs may include:
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
- Talking about being a burden to others.
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated.
- Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun.
- Having access to self-destructive means.
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
- Sleeping too little or too much.
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
- Displaying extreme mood swings.
How to help
When someone may be struggling, take warning signs seriously and reach out. Express concern, ask directly whether they are thinking about suicide and listen calmly and without judgment. There is no need to have the perfect words; genuine concern can help someone feel less alone.
Avoid arguing, acting shocked or dismissing the person’s feelings. Do not promise to keep suicidal thoughts a secret. Instead, connect the person with a professional and become familiar with Clemson University and community resources.
Available resources
- National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential, 24/7 crisis support.
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): CAPS offers counseling and support for students experiencing mental health concerns. Call 864-656-2451 during business hours to schedule an appointment or select option 2 to speak with an after-hours crisis specialist.
- CARE Network: Students, faculty and staff who are concerned about a student can submit a CARE Network referral to connect the student with University support. This resource is not intended for emergencies.
- Tigers Together Suicide Prevention Website: Find suicide prevention information, warning signs, ways to help and additional resources.
Tigers Together reflects Clemson’s ongoing commitment to the mental health and well-being of the campus community. By building connections, recognizing warning signs and using available resources, Clemson students, faculty and staff can help create a campus culture where every Tiger feels supported.
