Objectives

“You Can Help a Student” aims to offer faculty and campus staff an accessible, straightforward guide for identifying and assisting students who may be facing mental health challenges or other issues. Central to this guide is the belief that aiding students in distress is primarily intuitive, requiring no specialized clinical knowledge. Everyday observations and interactions equip individuals to make informed decisions about student well-being without the need for technical expertise.

The book covers essential topics such as:

• The current landscape of student mental health
• Potential impacts of mental health issues
• Indicators of concern
• Effective communication strategies
• Guidance on making or facilitating referrals

Faculty and staff play a crucial role in recognizing signs of student distress, thanks to their daily interactions and familiarity with student behavior. This unique position enables them to detect deviations from a student’s normal demeanor, making them pivotal in initiating supportive interventions.