Help students access resources, and other helpful tips

Know your campus’s mental health resources by visiting mentalhealth.iu.edu.

TimelyCare offers a dedicated phone line for faculty and staff seeking guidance in instances of student distress. The support line is accessible 24/7 at 833-4-TIMELY.

Connect to students one-on-one through office hours and other modes of private conversation. This creates a safe space for students to share their struggles with you.

Students in distress may need help connecting with a resource. Showing them how to access a resource increases the likelihood that they actually do. Help-seeking requires knowledge and skill sets that may be new to the student. Your help in demonstrating the help-seeking process teaches them what it’s like and can build their confidence to do it on their own in the future.

In addition to what’s on Canvas, include a link or QR code for mentalhealth.iu.edu in your syllabi. Here is some sample language to accompany it: “If you are feeling stressed, worried, or down during the semester, or if you notice signs of emotional distress in someone else, please feel free to stop by my office or consider reaching out for support via resources at mentalhealth.iu.edu.”

Consider incorporating meditation, breathing, or other mindfulness practices into the classroom and adding self-care activities—such as exercise, spending time in nature, or talking to a friend—to assignments.

Begin your semester by talking about mental health. Tell the class that students can come to you when they are struggling, and reiterate that message during high-pressure times, such as exams or charged political or campus events.

Find care referrals forms for your campus under the Emergency Resources tile on mentalhealth.iu.edu.

Most importantly, don’t hesitate to call 911 for help if the student is in danger.