University of Duhok (UoD)

The IPP Suicide Prevention hotline was established in 2021, by the institute of Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology – University of Duhok. The project is funded by the German government and organizations.

The IPP Suicide Prevention Hotline offers professional and confidential support for individuals facing suicidal thoughts or acute emotional distress. Our core service is the Emergency Suicide Prevention Hotline (80025050), available 24/7. When you call, our team of experienced psychotherapists provides immediate, non-judgmental support in a safe and confidential space, helping you navigate your crisis.

This free service is for anyone feeling hopeless, trapped, or overwhelmed by emotional pain. We also urge friends and family to contact us if they are concerned about a loved one’s changing behavior or negative thoughts about life. Our team provides guidance with the core belief that suicidal crises are temporary and that better solutions are possible. We are here to help you find hope and a path forward.

Beyond crisis intervention, we are committed to proactive community engagement. We conduct awareness-raising campaigns and educational seminars across a diverse range of social settings, including universities, schools, community centers, camps, and public forums. The goal of this outreach is to break the stigma surrounding mental health, educate the public on recognizing warning signs, and ensure everyone knows that help is available. By fostering open conversations, we work to build a more resilient and supportive community where seeking help is encouraged and understood as a sign of strength.

Tasks of the Suicide Prevention Team

The main task of this team is to listen to you through receiving your call 24 hours per day.
Psychotherapeutic support to prevent suicide.
Assisting everyone who contact us.
All your personal information will be kept confidential.

If you are someone who is thinking about suicide:

Wait don’t undertake any action to hurt yourself.
You don’t have to act on your suicide thoughts.
Your thoughts and attitudes can be changed.
Before taking any action talk to someone, it could be a family member or a close friend.
Call this hotline to support you.
If it is difficult for you to call, please send us a message.
Try to keep yourself safe for now and move to another place.
Try to realize that this is a temporary situation, keep in mind there are other reasons to live

Committing suicide is not right solution for your current problems, your critical situations are temporary. We understand your dilemma, but be sure we have better solutions for you.

Warning Signs that family and friends should know:

If one of your relatives or friends has the following signs, or if you notice that his/her thoughts or behaviors are changing and has negative thoughts regarding life. You can contact us to save one’s life from death.

Talking about:

Wanting to die.
Being a burden to others.

Feeling;

Hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live.
Extremely sad, more anxious, agitated or full of rage.
Great guilt or shame.
Unbearable emotional or physical pain.

Changing Behavior such as;

Planning or searching ways to commit suicide.
Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye and writing a will.
Display extreme mood swings.
Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast.
Eating or sleeping more or less.
Using drugs or alcohol more often.

If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know get help as soon as possible especially if their behavior is new or has increased recently.