Supporting Students in Distress

As members of the university community, faculty and staff play a critical role in supporting students—especially those who may be experiencing personal, emotional, or academic distress. Recognizing signs of distress and knowing how to respond effectively can make a significant difference in a student’s well-being and success.

This guide is designed to provide faculty and staff with guidance on identifying students who may be struggling, understanding the resources available to them, and offering appropriate support. By being proactive and compassionate, you can help students navigate challenges and connect them with the help they need, fostering a safe and supportive campus environment.

Mental Health Support
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, support is available:

  • National Suicide Helpline: Call or Text 9-8-8
  • Good2Talk: Call 1-866–925-5454 or text “GOOD2TALKON” to 686868

Confidentiality Notice: This email and any attachments are confidential and intended solely for the use of the recipient. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender and delete it from your system.

 

Guard Me Digital Banner

A mental health statement in the syllabus can be impactful because it helps to create a safer, more supportive, and inclusive academic environment where students are encouraged to prioritize their mental well-being and know where to go for help. It fosters a culture of empathy, reduces stigma, and contributes to students’ overall success both in and outside of the classroom.

 

Suggested Statement: 

Your well-being is very important to me. As an Algoma U student, there are many safe, inclusive and diverse services, accessible 24/7, to support your wellness needs. 

If you, or somebody you know, is thinking about suicide. Please call 9-8-8 to connect with a responder and get help, without judgment. Call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime for support in English or French. For more information, visit https://988.ca.

For mental health support please access the GuardMe Student Support Program. This program provides 24/7 access to confidential counseling tailored to students, with multilingual, culturally sensitive, and gender-inclusive support aligned with school health policies. Using technology for early intervention, students are connected to counselors through a free mobile app, providing real-time and appointment-based global clinical support. To access the GuardMe Student Support Program: 1-844-451-9700 or visit https://www.gmssp.org/

The IM Well App is FREE to all students and can be downloaded to your mobile phone. It offers live chat 24/7 with access to counselling support in over 240 languages.  It’s safe and confidential and counselling is available within minutes.

TalkCampus – Get instant support for your mental health any time of day and night through the TalkCampus app. Talk anonymously to students from universities and colleges around the world going through the exact same struggles as you any time of day or night.  This is a safe place where you can talk anonymously about anything and get support for your mental health and whatever is on your mind.

Good 2 Talk is a Confidential Post-Secondary Student Helpline. It operates 24/7. You can call 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868.

A full list of resources can be found on our website and on your student portal.Your AU Wellness team is happy to connect you to whatever resources best fit your current needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to [email protected] for your mental health and wellness concerns.

The Wellness Team is available for in-class information sessions for you and your students. Requests can be made here: 

 

If you are interested in booking a safeTALK training for your department or classroom, please email [email protected] to book! 

LivingWorks safeTALK is a three-hour in-person training that equips people to be more alert to someone thinking of suicide and better able to connect them with further help. Using a simple yet effective model, LivingWorks safeTALK empowers everyone to make a difference. With over 120,000 people attending each year, it’s the world’s fastest-growing suicide prevention skills training course.  In LivingWorks safeTALK you will learn how to reach out to someone thinking about suicide and help them keep safe by promptly connecting them to further support. Your role as a connector is the main focus of this training, which features:

  • Trainer presentations, facilitated discussion, and skills practice
  • Videos that illustrate what happens when signs of suicide are overlooked, and how you can contribute to safe outcomes when these signs are heard and addressed
  • Opportunities to further explore organizational applications of the training
  • A community resource person will be on hand at the workshop to support your safety and comfort.

Embedding Wellness into your Classroom: 

  • Create a Supportive Classroom Environment
    • Creating a supportive and welcoming environment begins with fostering inclusivity by embracing diverse perspectives and ensuring everyone feels valued and respected. Normalizing mental health conversations is equally vital, as it encourages open dialogue, reduces stigma, and promotes well-being. Building trust serves as the foundation for these efforts, requiring transparency, consistency, and genuine care in every interaction to cultivate meaningful connections and a sense of safety.

 

  • Providing Proactive Support
    • Regular check-ins provide opportunities to connect, build rapport, and identify any emerging concerns, creating a supportive environment where individuals feel seen and valued. By actively engaging during these interactions, you can recognize signs of distress early, such as changes in behaviour, mood, or communication, and respond with appropriate support or resources to promote well-being. For further information, see Early Alert poster.

 

  • Promoting Self-Care
    • Encouraging regular breaks helps promote balance and prevent burnout, allowing individuals to recharge and maintain focus. By modeling healthy behaviors, such as prioritizing self-care and setting boundaries, you demonstrate the importance of well-being in daily routines. Providing access to wellness resources further supports physical and mental health, empowering individuals to make informed choices for their overall well-being.

 

  • Preparing for Crisis Situations
    • Understanding your role and being familiar with campus protocols are essential for responding effectively in any situation, ensuring actions align with institutional policies and best practices. Taking immediate action when necessary can prevent escalation and demonstrates a commitment to safety and support. Equally important is maintaining confidentiality, which protects the privacy and dignity of individuals while fostering trust and compliance with ethical and legal standards. 

Resources:

 

CICMH Resources

Thriving in the Classroom 

 

 

Self-Guided Learning Modules: