All registered UMBC students can join the "University Counseling Services" Group on myUMBC (click here: http://my.umbc.edu/groups/ucs). You will find information about upcoming events and relevant news stories. Under the "Documents" tab, you will find resources on relaxation and medication. In addition, you can take a free and anonymous online screenings for anxiety, depression, eating disorders or substance use disorders by clicking here.

 

Unexpected traumatic events can be sudden, shocking and overwhelming. These types of events can cause physical and emotional reactions that may be difficult to understand. Understanding what are normal reactions can help you cope during these times:

We have a Self-Development Center (SDC) where you can educate yourself at your own pace using CDs, videotapes, and audiotapes that cover hundreds of topics related to college life. Among the topics are study skills, anger management, assertiveness, communication skills, managing conflict, diversity, eating issues, relationships, health, foreign languages, leadership, public speaking, dealing with loss, self-esteem, mental health issues, sexual assault, sexuality, stress management, substance abuse, and women's/men's issues. This is only a sample, and each category contains a number of media resources on specific aspects of that broad subject. If you would like to use or look over our options, you do not need an appointment. You simply walk in and let our front-desk staff know you would like to utilize the SDC.

• Student Counseling Virtual Pamphlets(www.dr-bob.org/vpc/virtulets.html)
• Campus Blues (www.campusblues.com)
• Dr. Grohol's Psychology Central (www.psychcentral.com)
• American Psychological Association (www.apa.org/pubinfo)
• National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov)
• InternetAddiction (www.netaddiction.com/resources/internet_addiction_test.htm)
• Anxiety Disorders Association of America (www.adaa.org)
• Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (www.save.org)

• Loyola Clinical Centers (Loyola College); 410-617-1200; Website
• Psychology Clinic (University of Maryland, College Park); 301-405-4808 Website
• Community Counseling Services Center (CCSC) (George Washington University) 202-994-8645 (D.C. location); 703-299-9148 (Alexandria location) Website
• Maryland Clinical Social Work Referral Service; 410-298-3226 Website
• Maryland Psychiatric Society Referral Service; 410-625-0232 Website
• Maryland Psychological Association Referral Service; 410-992-4258 or 301-596-3999; Website
• Pastoral Counseling Service of Maryland; 410-433-8861; Website
• Sheppard Pratt Therapy Referral Service; 410-938-5000; 888-938-4207 (toll-free); Website
• The Pro Bono Counseling Project; 410-323-5800 or 301-805-8191;1-877-323-5800 (toll-free); Website
• Mental Health Association of Maryland; 410-863-0470; Website;
• Public Mental Health System (Medicaid & Pharmacy Assistance Program)1-800-888-1965; 1-800-735-2258 (TTY)

*We have chosen the above links in order to provide you with another opportunity to learn more about yourself and mental health issues that may be of concern or interest to you as well as to provide alternative resources to address your needs. However, it is important to note that UCS has no jurisdiction over, nor responsibility for, the specific content of these websites or delivery of their services.

High Risk Life Events Associated with Suicide

• Death or terminal illness of a loved one
• Divorce, separation, or broken relationship
• Loss of health (real or imaginary)
• Loss of job, home, money, self esteem, personal security
• Anniversaries
• Difficulties with school, family, the law
• Early stages of recovery from depression

• Giving away favorite possessions
• A marked or noticeable change in an individual's behavior
• Previous suicide attempts and statements revealing a desire to die
• Depression (sad mood, crying, withdrawing, no interest, etc.)
• Inappropriate "good-byes"
• Purchase of a gun or pills
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Obsession about death and talk about suicide
• Decline in performance of work, school, or other activities
• Deteriorating physical appearance, or reckless actions
• Verbal behavior that is ambiguous or indirect:
• "I'm going away on a real long trip,"
• "You won't have to worry about me anymore,"
• "I want to go to sleep and never wake up"

• Take suicide threats seriously, be direct, open & honest in communications
• Listen, allow the individual to express their feelings and express your concerns in a non-judgmental way
• Say things like: "I'm here for you", "Let's talk", "I'm here to help"
• Ask, "Are you having suicidal thoughts?" (A detailed plan indicates greater risk)
• Take action sooner than later
• Get them connected with professional help
• Dispose of pills, drugs and guns
• Do not worry about being disloyal to the individual; contact a reliable family member or close friend of the person

• Univ. Counseling Services 410-455-2472
• University Police 410-455-5555
• 1-800-SUICIDE

ULifeline is an anonymous, confidential, online resource center, where college students can be comfortable searching for the information they need and want regarding mental health and suicide prevention. ULifeline is a program of The Jed Foundation, the nation's leading organization working to prevent suicide and improve the mental health of college students, and is overseen by an expert board of mental health professionals.
Please follow the link below if you wish to:

1. Get information about suicide prevention
2. Read stories about other students
3. Find out about local resources or
4. take a quiz related to anxiety, depression or other emotional issues
   (From website, click on "Halfofus" and then on "Check yourself")