2 Your Role as a Help-Giver

Putting Things in Perspective

Let’s embark on a thought experiment:

Imagine the last time you experienced a stomach ache. Did you rush to call your doctor or head straight to the emergency room? Chances are, most of you didn’t. But, for those who did, reflect on why the rest did not feel the need to seek medical attention. Perhaps you attributed the discomfort to overeating, consuming food too quickly, indulging in overly spicy meals, or simply eating something that didn’t sit well with you. The pain might have been short-lived, improving relatively quickly without any alarming symptoms like vomiting or fever.

Now, consider what circumstances would compel you to seek medical advice. Suppose the discomfort was sudden, intense, without a clear cause, progressively worsened, lasted an extended period, disrupted your sleep, or interfered with daily activities, accompanied by fever or vomiting, or if the pain recurred frequently. In such cases, concern over a serious underlying condition might prompt you to schedule a doctor’s appointment or visit the ER if the pain became unbearable, accompanied by severe vomiting and high fever.

This analogy extends to mental health. Like the occasional stomach ache, we all experience mild, fleeting symptoms of mental discomfort in response to life’s challenges—nervousness before a test or interview, or sadness following a disagreement with a friend. These reactions are natural and typically resolve once the situation improves or with the passage of time. However, persistent feelings of anxiety, sadness, difficulty concentrating, or any disruption to daily functioning could indicate a more severe issue requiring professional evaluation.

A key insight from this comparison is that mental health issues, like physical ailments, vary in severity and duration. Media portrayals often depict mental health challenges as extreme and chronic, leading to a skewed perception that equates mental illness with severe, long-term disorders. This perspective is mirrored by many advocacy groups focusing on significant, persistent conditions, contributing to the stigma and fear surrounding mental health diagnoses. If we viewed physical illnesses solely through the lens of terminal conditions like cancer or severe heart disease, the concept of being physically unwell would be equally daunting.

The same principles that guide our decision-making in seeking medical help for physical discomfort can apply to mental health. Understanding when and how to seek professional support for mental health concerns is crucial for our overall well-being.

What Can You Do?

After exploring the recognition of problems, let’s delve into your role on campus. The upcoming chapters will examine these aspects in greater detail:

• Identifying signs of a student in distress.
• Approaching and engaging with the student effectively: what to say and how to follow up.
• Understanding the referral process: knowledge of campus resources.
• Encouraging students to support one another confidently and comfortably.

To begin, here are key practices to follow when assisting a student:

• Recognizing there is an issue doesn’t require pinpointing the exact problem—acknowledging a concern exists is the first intuitive step.
• It shows strength and wisdom to seek (and offer) assistance when necessary.
• Trust your instincts—if you sense a problem, there likely is one.
• Leverage your network and resources—be familiar with and utilize your support systems.
• If you’re worried, always seek advice or consultation.