Longhorns Listen (Staff)

Longhorns Listen is a program designed to equip members of the UT Austin community with the skills to recognize and respond to signs of emotional distress, particularly related to suicide prevention. The program’s core philosophy is simple but powerful: by learning how to show up for one another, we can create a campus environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to speak openly about their mental health.

The workshop uses an interactive format that helps participants build empathy while navigating the discomfort that can arise when discussing sensitive topics like suicide. Through engaging activities, real-life scenarios, and reflection exercises, the program encourages participants to consider how they would respond to someone in crisis while practicing essential communication skills, including how to ask someone if they are thinking about suicide.