Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resources
At HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, we understand that life’s challenges can impact mental health. We encourage awareness of the signs, symptoms, and resources available for those experiencing a crisis. If you or someone you know is struggling, immediate help is available.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, 988 provides 24/7 connection to confidential support. There is Hope. Just call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org #988Lifeline.
Other National Hotlines:
- Free 24/7 Crisis Text Line: Text “PA” to 741-741
- Free 24/7, Veterans Crisis Line: Send a text to “838255”
- The Trevor Project for LGBTQIA2S+: Call (1-866-488-7386); Text “START” to 678-678
- Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860
State:
Local:
Certain warning signs may indicate that someone is at risk for suicide, especially if behaviors are new, increasing, or linked to a distressing event. Potential warning signs include:
- Expressing thoughts about wanting to die or self-harm
- Searching for ways to self-harm, such as researching methods or obtaining a weapon
- Feelings of hopelessness or lacking purpose
- Expressing being trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious, agitated, or engaging in reckless behavior
- Changes in sleep patterns (too much or too little)
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or social activities
- Expressing rage or seeking revenge
- Experiencing extreme mood swings
Reference: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
If you are experiencing a crisis and you are off campus, we encourage you to contact 911.
If you are on campus and experiencing a crisis, we encourage you to contact the HACC's Department of Public Safety and Security:
- Gettysburg Campus -- 717-339-3528
- Harrisburg Campus-including Midtown -- 717-780-2568
- Lancaster Campus -- 717-358-2999
- Lebanon Campus -- 717-270-6368
- York Campus -- 717-801-3268
- Virtual -- 717-780-2568
Mental Health Support Services Provided by HACC
M&S EAP Services, Inc. offers mental health services for all enrolled HACC students. This includes triage services available via phone, with the first three counseling sessions per semester covered by HACC.
Self-Help Mental Health Applications
*All can be downloaded to your phone or computer via the associated app store:
All basic services of the apps are free. Upgrades to services can be purchased at your discretion. Use of these apps is intended only for self-help purposes and not to replace mental health crisis intervention or treatment.
- A Friend Asks: helps you recognize the signs and symptoms of suicide risk in others
- ASK & Prevent Suicide: helps you recognize the risks and warning signs and practical ways to intervene if needed
- Stay Alive: helps people who may be contemplating suicide, includes friend/family who may want to help, and comes with resources and a safety plan draft
- What’s Up: uses CBT & ACT to help with anxiety, depression, etc; has different techniques and resources to help with staying the course
- Happify: has games, activity suggestions, and other things to help with mood and positive thoughts
- Moodtools: helps with depression symptoms; has resources that help with mood and thoughts
Additional Resources
- Mental Health is Health
- National Hopeline Network: 1-800-784-2433
- RAINN/ National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)
- National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474 or text “START” to 741-741
- Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence Services - 1-800-654-1211
- Alcohol Abuse and Crisis Intervention - 1-800-231-0246
- Contact Helpline – Listening Support: 1-800-936-4616
HACC offers mental health webinars and programs for faculty, staff, and students to increase awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental health. Within the standardized syllabi, new students in our College Success and Introduction to the College Experience classeses are informed of the mental health resources provided by the college. These services and resources are also communicated to students numerous times each year through the use of email, newsletters, web slides, Padlet, Brightspace (D2L), Navigate, etc.
In the event of an emergency, counseling and support services will be made available to all impacted students and employees. The College will follow its established guidelines for communicating with the HACC community.
For additional support and resources, visit our mental health resources page.
