Responding to a Student in Distress

Responding to a Student in Distress - How Can You Help?

All faculty and staff at Saint Mary’s University have a role to play in creating a caring campus community, which supports students as much as possible. Many students may have more contact with faculty and staff than their friends and family, placing you in a unique position of front line contact. You may notice a student is struggling before others and the sooner they receive appropriate support the better their outcomes will be. If you think a student is in distress we encourage you to follow the steps below, which are presented and discussed in Mental Health 101.

Approach

Be curious about the observed behaviour that concerns you. State specifically what you’ve noticed and ask an open-ended question or make a general statement to give the student an opportunity to talk about what might be happening for them. The more private and safe the setting the more they may share.

“I haven’t seen you around lately. How are you doing?”

Listen

Listen to understand more so than respond. Summarize and reflect back the student’s sharing to show you heard them while giving them an opportunity to correct any errors. Remember we communicate our listening non-verbally, as well.

“It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed.”

Support

Thank the student for sharing with you and ensure they know that asking for help is a sign of strength. Offer hope where possible but don’t make promises you can’t keep.

“I appreciate you talking to me. How can I be most helpful?”

Refer

Share information about the resources available and ensure they know you are not simply passing them off. Rather, directing them to the best possible support. If you’re unsure of what resource is best, we’d recommend providing information on several, such as those included in the Free Resources for All Students card. This card has options for on or off campus support, 24 hours or limited availability services, virtual or in person delivery, peer or professional based formats and self directed learning.

“There are resources available I can tell you a bit about. Would that be okay?”

How to Make a Good Referral

• Be up to date on the resources available, including locations, contact information, how to access etc. Seek more
information about resources if you’re unsure.
• Only speak positively about resources and answer questions to the best of your ability.
• Give students options and choice in the process.
• Be with the student while they contact a resource, if they’re hesitant, or contact a resource on their behalf, with their permission. Note that many services are self refer so the student needs to be an active participant at some point in the process.
• Remind students that many services (particularly those in the Free Resources for All Students card) are free of charge.

If a Student Refuses a Referral or Information

• Respect their decision.
• Invite them to reach out to you again in the future if they want to talk about their options further or offer to follow-up at a later date to check-in.
• Provide take away materials (paper or virtually) for them to review later.

If you believe there is an emergency situation (i.e. threatening behaviour, eluding or referencing suicide, won't leave your office etc.) call University Security at 902-420-5000.

9-8-8 – call or text 988 for trauma-informed and culturally affirming support if you are thinking of suicide or worried about someone you know 24/7/365. Speak with a trained responder in English or French.

For more information check out The Counselling Centre booklet on How to Help A Student in Distress at the following link: How to Identify and Refer a Student in Distress 2023-2024