Helping someone in distress: A Guide for Students

Learn how you can help another student in a caring and nonjudgmental way.

Students often go to each other for support and advice for a variety of concerns. If you’re worried about a friend or classmate, you can help. You don’t need to be a counselor to make a difference — showing care and knowing where to find help can go a long way.

Signs a student might be struggling

It’s not always easy to know when someone needs support, but here are some signs to look for:

• Feeling very sad, hopeless, or overwhelmed
• Withdrawing from friends or skipping classes
• Talking about wanting to give up
• Changes in sleep, eating, or personal hygiene
• Use of alcohol or drugs to cope
• Acting out of character or being more irritable

What you can do

If you notice something that worries you, trust your instincts. Here’s how you can help:

Reach out

• Find a comfortable and private space
• Use kind, nonjudgmental language
• Say what you’ve noticed, like “I’ve seen you’ve been missing class and seem really down lately.”

Listen and offer support

• Let them talk — just being there helps
• Avoid trying to “fix” the problem or give advice
• Focus on listening without judgment

Encourage them to get help

• There are many support options for students on campus. Think about providing a couple of resources to get them started
• Normalize seeking help
• If they say no, that’s okay — keep checking in and let them know you care

Supportive Resources

There are many different support options for students on campus. Think about providing a couple of options to the person 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.

All conversations at an SHS office are strictly confidential. The only exception is in situations of life-threatening emergency, when the most important consideration is ensuring the person’s safety. Read more about our confidentiality policy.

Support is also available off campus:

• 988: Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call, text, or chat for support with local resources and crisis situations
• NAMI- National Alliance on Mental Illness: Mental Health resource directory and peer support services available
• A primary care provider or another doctor you are already seeing may be able to provide additional mental health support options