Faculty & Staff Guide to helping someone in distress

You have the power to recognize distress early and help students navigate campus resources.

As faculty and staff, you often notice when a student is struggling. You don’t have to solve the problem alone, but you can help connect the student to the right resources. Providing initial support to a student who is struggling can be essential to their well-being.

Common Signs a Student May Be in Distress

You might notice changes in how a student behaves, looks, or performs. Look for:

• Frequent absences or missed assignments
• A drop in academic performance
• Emotional outbursts or unusual behavior
• Signs of extreme stress, sadness, or anxiety
• Expressions of hopelessness
• Poor hygiene or changes in appearance
• Comments about death or wanting to give up
• Signs of substance misuse

What You Can Do

• Find a private, comfortable place to talk. It is possible that just a few minutes of empathic listening on your part may be enough to help the student feel comfortable about what to do next.
• Ask open-ended questions. The student might not answer, but appreciate that you are trying to understand.
• Don’t feel compelled to find a solution. Many times, listening is enough.
• Suggest that the student get more help. If they say no, that’s okay — keep checking in and let them know you care.
• Know your own limits. If you are worried about a student’s safety, don’t worry alone. Clinical consultation services are available (see below).

Connecting to Support Services

There are many different support options for students on campus. Think about providing a couple of options to the student you’re helping. Two options available through SHS include:

• Therapy and psychiatry appointments, support groups, 24/7 emergency services for mental health crises. Learn more about mental health services.
• Support for those who have experienced interpersonal violence and other types of trauma. Learn more about survivor support services.

Let the student know that all calls and visits are strictly confidential. The only exception is in situations of life-and-death emergency, when the most important consideration is ensuring the person’s safety.

Need additional guidance?

If you are worried about a student’s safety, don’t wait. We provide 24/7 consultation to any faculty or staff member to discuss concerns regarding a student. Call 617-353-3569 at any time (day or night) to speak with a member of our clinical team. They will provide guidance on next steps and/or follow up directly with the student.

If you need someone to come to the student in distress’s location right away, call the BUPD at 617-353-2121 (Charles River Campus) or, 617-638-4144 (BU Medical Campus), or 911 (off campus).

*Contact numbers for CAPS and BUPD are located on the back of all faculty, staff, and student BU ID’s*