How to Help
It is important to talk with your student about your concern. Asking someone if they are experiencing any mental health concerns or even if they are thinking about suicide will provide them a safe space to discuss their feelings and get connected with help.
Our Noles C.A.R.E. program provides a step-by-step guide to talking with a distressed student about risk of suicide, but the principles can also be applied when approaching a conversation about mental health in general.
Here is a brief outline, and you can find more information on the Noles C.A.R.E. webpage. https://nolescare.fsu.edu/
- Communicate Concern. “I’ve noticed you missed several classes over the past two weeks. How have you been?”
- Ask Questions. “I noticed you wrote a paper about death for last week’s assignment. Have you had thoughts about death or suicide?” “I’ve noticed some concerning statements in your texts lately (provide example), have you been struggling with your mental health?
- Refer to Resources. To help know what resources may be appropriate based on need, view the quick reference for How to Assist a Student of Concern guide.
- During regular business hours:
- Counseling & Psychological Services - (850) 644-TALK (8255)
- Department of Student Support and Transitions - (850) 644-2428
- Anytime (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- FSU Police Department - (850) 644-1234
- Big Bend 211 or (877) 211-7005
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)
- Additional resources for non-crisis needs can be viewed on our campus and community resource pages.
- During regular business hours:
- Encourage help-seeking. Support the student by helping them schedule an appointment, stay on the phone with them, while they contact CAPS, or walk them over to Counseling & Psychological Services. If you are especially concerned that student is in imminent danger of harming him/herself or others, call the FSUPD at (850) 644-1234.
When to Refer a Student
If you notice the following issues or changes in behavior in a student, please consider referring the student to Counseling & Psychological Services:
- Abrupt changes in behavior, hygiene or appearance
- Persistent anxiety about a specific stressor or relationship
- Chronic fatigue and lack of energy
- Agitation, Irritability, or aggressive behavior
- Noticeable fearfulness, tearfulness, or nervousness
- Poor class attendance
- Changes in academic performance
- Changes in personal hygiene
- Withdrawal from others
- Self-injurious behavior (e.g. cutting)
- Sense of aimlessness-“no purpose in life” or feeling like a burden to friends or family
- Signs of alcohol or drug use
- Escape wishes or Suicidal thoughts-“I want to go to sleep and never wake up”
What happens if my student experiences a mental health crisis?
If a student is in crisis during business hours, they should visit Counseling & Psychological Services for a walk-in appointment. If a student calls in crisis when Counseling & Psychological Services is closed, they can call our number (850) 644-TALK (8255) to speak to a clinician on duty 24/7. Additional emergency services included: FSU Police Department (850) 644-1234, 911, 211 Big Bend, or 988 National Suicide Hotline.
