As a higher education professional, you know that some stress is inevitable. In addition to academic stressors, many students experience financial insecurity, family distress, relationship issues, social biases, and physical and mental health conditions, among others. It is important to remember that while some stress is to be expected, stress that builds up over time can lead to more serious mental health concerns. The good news is that you can help students in your role.

*Note that lists are not exhaustive, consider what is baseline for each student.

1. Find a private place and give your undivided attention.

2. Thank them for sharing.

• I appreciate you sharing this with me.

3. Validate their concern.

• It sounds like things are pretty tough right now.

4. Let them know you are concerned about their welfare and want to help them.

5. If references are made to suicide or dying, ask the student about it. (See Responding in a Crisis.)

• With all that you mentioned about ______, I'm wondering: have you had thoughts about hurting or killing yourself?
• Do you intend on killing yourself?
• Do you have a plan to kill yourself?

*Asking will not increase risk, it actually decreases risk.

6. If necessary, refer to counseling.

• Do you think this is something you might like to talk about with someone?

A student with risk to harm self or others

(If you are unsure, feel free to call the UCC to consult.)

• During business hours
  • Bring the student to the UCC for a crisis appointment
  • If there is safety risk, call 911 or GVPD
• After business hours
  • Call GVPD to initiate a wellness check or call 911
• Follow-up with a Student of Concern CARE Report

• Normalize help seeking
  • Lots of students find counseling helpful. I wonder if you might find it helpful, too.
• Have you checked out the UCC website? They have a lot of great resources available, and I wonder if you might find those helpful.
• "Check" the referral for student's reaction
• Assess barriers to seeking help, if necessary
  • Is there anything that would stop you from going to the University Counseling Center?
    • Offer to assist the student with the referral (e.g., accompany them to the UCC or sit with them while they make the call)
    • Provide information about the process of counseling
    • Let them know that services are free and confidential
    • Consider referring them to Let's Talk for a brief consultation with a UCC provider

GVSU CARE Team

Mental Health Communications Toolkit

Download the GV Mental Health App

Realize the limits of your responsibility when assisting distressed students.

• Getting involved does not mean you must (or can) resolve the student's difficulties.
• You are NOT responsible for the student's emotional well-being.
• Obtain support for yourself from staff, peers, partners, friends, or therapist, as appropriate.

Your Role

• Your role is not to fix the situation.
• Your role is not to provide treatment.
• Your role is not to handle the situation alone.

Download a PDF Version of Helping Students in Distress