Supporting Students with Mental Health Concerns

Sometimes you will have to invite reticent individuals to talk about their mental health concerns The following are some tips on how to begin a conversation. Please note that some individuals may not readily accept a referral to counsleing.

• Be direct

  • “I’ve been noticing ________, how are you feeling?”
  • “Have you ever had a period in your life before now when you’ve felt this way?
  • “What do you know about depression/anxiety?”
  • “Do you have an eating disorder?”
  • “Has anyone in your family gone through this before?”
• Keep the discussion centered on their issue. This situation might evoke anxiety, but try not to make the conversation about your anxiety. Keep it relevant to their issues.
• Talk to the person about what you have observed and why you are concerned.
• Express your observations clearly-avoid judgment in the moment
• Be genuine

• —Listen - most people just want to be heard and validated in the moment

  • Reflect what you hear, “What I hear you to be saying is __________.”
  • Empathy, “That must be really tough for you.” or “It sounds like you’re feeling really overwhelmed.”
  • Avoid judgments or assumptions

Some dos and don’ts of helping out:

Do:

• Spend time talking about their experiences

• Listen intently-with care and concern:

  • maintain eye contact
  • use open-ended questions
• Make the issue about the other person’s needs
• Remain calm regardless of the individual’s reactions
• Let them know you are noticing changes in their behavior
• Encourage them to seek professional help (licensed metal health care provider).
• Assist them in making initial contacts with health care providers.
• Follow up-keep in regular contact and encourage them to get the help they need.

Don't:

• Expect them to follow through with everything you suggest
• Pressure or guilt them into an appointment with a professional
• Avoid or alienate them
• Try to offer solutions to fix the problem (e.g., “stay busy”; “smile more!”; “snap out of it”; “suck it up…”; “you need to date more!”; etc.)
• Help them avoid their issues
• Assume the problem will go away