How Students Can Help

Begin by reading this website! Educate yourself  on college student mental health. Learn about Counseling Center resources: visit our website, visit our Center when you are on campus, call us and ask about our services, complete QPR training, invite us to present for your residence hall or student group.

When talking with friends, you can

Talk about your own efforts to learn new ways to cope.

Share ways in which you see others learning about wellness and mental health.  No problem is too big or too small to benefit from seeking help.

Gain exposure to Counseling Services

Come to one of our outreach programs or support groups.  We have groups discussing common issues such as academic concerns, relationships, stress management, and mindfulness.  Talk with your friends about stress, depression, anxiety and other concerns, and respond calmly and with support if difficulties are revealed.

Counseling Center Outreach

“Bystander” interventions

Help friends and other peers who may be struggling.  For many reasons, students have difficulty with help-seeking.  Every expression of encouragement or support can help.  Remind friends that he or she does not have to solve the friend’s problems; just help the friend consider counseling .

If you hear others talking about mental health or illness, join the conversation with a compassionate, respectful tone.  Help your peers think about mental health in kinder and more responsive ways.

Talk about the value of self-care and mental health openly.  The more open the discussion, the less stigma.

Multicultural Considerations

NC State welcomes students from every cultural and identity group.  We understand that mental health issues can be understood differently in different cultures, and we respect and support each student with that understanding.  At the Counseling Center, we make a special effort to reach out to those students who are underserved, and we welcome all suggestions regarding effective ways to reach out and serve every student.

Self-Care

The pressures of attending college can be significant.  However, neglecting to take care of yourself is a mistake. By being conscious and proactive about your stress-levels and well-being you can make significant positive impacts in your own life and those around you.

Take care of yourself!

• Get a good night’s rest each night (7-8 hours) and eat nourishing food.
• Take time for yourself to relax and unwind, and don’t neglect the people who are important to you.
• Stay active by going with friends to the gym, take part in an exercise class, play racquetball, visit Pullen Park, walk instead of drive, join a club or intramural sport, and make sure to get out of your room and soak up some sun.
• Find a work-life balance for academics, socializing with friends, getting involved on campus, and finding time for yourself to relax and refresh.
• Use your calendar (via phone or email) and a planner to manage commitments and assignments.
• Self-care also means having good boundaries.  Make time for studying and homework first; prioritize what needs to get done.
• Self-care is also seeking help when we’re feeling stressed, anxious, or down.  Become familiar with the resources available on campus and off campus.

What about academics?

• Dealing with mental health concerns affects students’ ability to focus and study.  It can affect anyone no matter how smart or strong they are.  Dealing with an issue will greatly improve your ability to be successful in academics.
• Research supports the idea that mental health treatment enhances academic performance and completion of college.
• If mental health issues, or treatment for mental health issues, temporarily interfere with academic functioning,  the Student Ombuds Service (SOS) is available to help any student resolve these difficulties.  This includes issues such as missed work, missed classes, or need for specific types of services. Appointments can be made by calling 919.515.2963 or 919.512.7204 (confidential voicemail) or by email. Learn more at http://policies.ncsu.edu/regulation/reg-02-20-03.

Mental health issues are also protected under the American with Disabilities Act. Students requiring specific accommodations are encouraged to seek them through the Office of Disability Services. Learn more at dso.dasa.ncsu.edu/welcome.

How to Help a Friend in Need

If in mild to moderate distress (no safety concerns)

• Talk to them about your concerns and encourage them to come by or check out the website: Go.ncsu.edu/counseling.  Check out the free screenings and our Outreach programs.
• Offer to come with them to the Counseling Center if they want. Find out and explain what to expect and that counseling is free and confidential.
• Check in later to see how they are doing (this is very important to them).
• If they choose not to go to the Counseling Center, don’t be pushy…it often takes a few referrals to get them in. Continue to be supportive in any way you can.

If in severe distress or crisis (safety concerns are present)

• During business hours (8-5) call (919.515.2423) or walk the student over to the Counseling Center. After hours, access on-call at 919.515.2423.  Contact your RA on duty if you live in a residence hall.
• Speak with the counselor on-call about the situation. The counselor will usually then speak with the student.
• Stay with them until campus police arrives. Use active listening and be supportive. Do not debate with them about why they are feeling the way they are.  Reassure them that the police will be there to help them.
• If you are not with the student, call the Counseling Center (919.515.2423), Student Behavioral Case Manager (919.515.2963), or Violence Prevention and Threat Management (919.513.4224 or 919.513.4315) to consult.
• If at any time the situation becomes an emergency, call campus police at 919.515.3000 or 911 from campus.