For someone struggling with their mental health, having someone in their life who notices those struggles and offers help can be life changing. Whether you are their classmate, friend, instructor, or advisor, you can make a difference by offering support and directing them to resources that can help.
If you know someone who is struggling, there are a few warning signs to look out for that could indicate that they need support.
These are only a few signs that someone may be struggling, but they are not the only indicators that something is wrong. If you know the person well, trust your instincts and start the conversation if you believe they may need support. Here are some tips on how you can support someone who is struggling and create a safe space to have open conversations about mental health.
Be proactive and reach out first. Don’t wait for your friend to ask you for help, as they may be hesitant or scared of seeking out support. If you’re concerned, take action quickly.
Keep the conversation calm and judgment-free. Calling someone out or confronting them about their behavior can make the person defensive and less likely to open up about what they may be going through. Instead, be friendly, relaxed, and supportive.
Set an example of being honest and open. Vulnerability can be scary and intimidating, and some people may come from backgrounds where showing emotion or asking for help are seen as signs of weakness. By opening up first, you can create a space where they feel comfortable talking about their struggles.
Listen, don’t problem solve. Sometimes, all someone needs is a friend who cares about them and offers support. Jumping straight to offering advice or solutions may come across as wanting to fix the problem instead of wanting to understand what they are going through. Instead, ask questions and listen to their experience. Only start problem solving if they ask for your advice or thoughts.
Help them find support. Your friend may not know what resources are available to them, or they may be too overwhelmed or embarrassed to schedule an appointment or find resources on their own. Tell your friend about the resources available for them on campus, help them research mental health providers, or even take them to their first appointment. It’s not your job to “fix” them, but you can connect them to people and resources who can help.
Be persistent. There’s no way to force someone to be vulnerable or ask for help if they don’t want that support. If they push you away, support them in other ways, like continuing to invite them to events or checking in with them. You might be more successful in having the conversation later. If your concerns continue or get more serious, reach out to trusted friends, family members, faculty, staff, or other people to help you support the person.
Don’t forget to take care of your own mental health. Your needs matter, and you are not solely responsible for your friend’s well-being. Recognize your limits, set boundaries when you need to, and reach out for support for yourself if needed.
Start conversations about mental health. Mental health can greatly impact a student’s experience in higher education. Keep mental health needs in mind as you provide resources to students. For faculty, discuss it in the classroom and consider adding information about mental health resources to your syllabus.
Be a responsible mandatory reporter. All UVU employees are considered mandatory reporters. Whenever you hear about a sexual assault, misconduct, discrimination, or harassment, you must report it. If a student wants to discuss an incident with you, let them know that you are a mandatory reporter and anything they tell you will need to be reported to the Equity & Title IX office. For more information, visit the Equity & Title IX website or review the Title IX and Sexual Harassment compliance course in UVULearn.
Learn more about mental health resources on campus. By knowing what programs and services are available to students in need, you can help them find the support they need. Here are a few resources to get you started:
