Supporting students in distress

The time between midterms and fall break can be a particularly stressful time for students. Student Support and Accountability has resources to help anyone — students, faculty and staff — who may be interacting with students in distress.

The Supporting Students in Distress website outlines how to recognize signs of distress, start a conversation and make a thoughtful referral to get a student connected with support. It is okay if you are not sure how to respond to someone in crisis, but it is not okay to do nothing or assume someone else has already notified the university. When in doubt, consider helping the student connect with resources by walking them to the office or calling ahead to consult.

If you are working with a student who is actively in crisis, please refer to the protocols on the Lafene Counseling and Psychological Services website for students who Need Help Now. If you do not feel comfortable engaging directly, consider contacting Student Support and Accountability or completing the student of concern referral form so the university can provide appropriate outreach and response.

Referring a student, friend or peer through this process is not getting them in trouble — it’s helping connect them with support.

If you are unsure about what to do next or how to help, please do not hesitate to reach out between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling 785-532-6432, visiting 201 Holton Hall, or emailing studentsupport@k-state.edu. Student Support and Accountability is here to help and is always available to consult.

-Submitted by Student Support and Accountability