Students with difficulties have a number of resources available to them. These resources include close friends, relatives, clergy, and coaches. In fact, anyone who is seen as caring and trustworthy may be a potential resource in times of trouble. In your role as faculty or staff, students may perceive you as someone who can lend a helping hand or be a good listener. Your expression of interest and concern may be a critical factor in helping a struggling student find appropriate assistance. Although referral to expert help may be a useful piece of responding to a student in distress, you do not need to be a mental health professional to provide support. In many situations, a sufficient first step is to simply make time to calmly listen to a student, encourage them, and validate their concerns.
The Counseling Center offers after-hours emergency coverage for urgent mental health concerns such as suicidal thoughts, sexual assault, and other trauma. Call the Counseling Center at (828)262-3180 and select the option to speak with the counselor on-call.
For additional resources see our Emergency Services page.
