Supporting Students 

Where to Begin

• Assisting Students in Distress

   
  
  Recognize signs of distress
  You may be the first person to see signs that a student is in distress or they may come to you specifically for help. Use this folder to familiarize yourself with common signs of distress, from mild to severe, and the steps you can take to offer assistance.
  
  Reach out and refer
  Your role is not to diagnose or treat students, but you are in a position to make them aware of the help available. Early intervention plays a key role in helping students get back on track.
  
  Access expert advice when needed
  There may be times when you need more advice about how to support a student in distress. For more severe and urgent concerns, you can consult with:
  

  • UBC Student Health Service (604-822-7011)
  • UBC Counselling Services (604-822-3811)
  • UBC Health and Wellbeing

  
  

• Having a conversation with a student in distress

   
  
  1. If you’ve reached out to the student
  

  • Be specific about the signs and behaviours that you’ve noticed (i.e., "I've noticed you've missed the last two midterms.")
  • Express your concern (i.e., "I am concerned and wanted to check in to see how you're doing.") 
  • Reassure the student, who may be struggling, that it's 100% OK to reach out for help from UBC faculty and staff

  
  
  If a student doesn't want help... 
  

  • Respect their decision. Accepting or refusing assistance must be left up to the student, except in emergencies
  • Don’t force the issue or pressure them into going to a referred resource
  • Try to leave room for reconsideration later on (i.e., "If you change your mind you can always access the resources I've provided to you." )

  
  
  2. Respond with empathy and normalize stress
  

  • Listen actively to help the student feel heard and understood (i.e., "It sounds like you're facing a lot of difficulties in your life right now.")
  • When stress seems related to academic pressures, acknowledge that stress is a normal part of the university experience

  
  
  3. Ask open-ended questions. Giving students an opportunity to talk often has a calming effect and helps to clarify their concerns:

  • What have you tried so far?
  • What do you think the main challenge is?
  • Do you have the support that you need?

  
  
  4. Discuss Resource Options
  

  • Point out that help is available; while seeking help can feel difficult, it is a sign of strength
  • Provide the student with information about resources and support
  • Encourage the student to identify the next steps they plan to take
    

Connect to Resources 

• Imminent risk of harm

  
  
  Examples
  

  • Active thoughts of suicide with a plan or suicide attempt
  • Behaviour that is violent, destructive, aggressive, or threatening to self or others
  • Student is confused, hallucinating, or has trouble remaining conscious

  
  
  Steps to take:
  1. Take student to the nearest hospital – Call 911
  2. Call UBC Campus Security: 604-822-2222

• High level of distress

  
  Examples
  

  • Deterioration in personal appearance and hygiene and significant impairment with daily tasks
  • Expressions of severe hopelessness or references to suicide
  • Self-harm behaviour such as recent cutting or hitting, severely restricted eating with weight loss/severe binge eating
  • Substance use concerns
  • Loss of touch with reality/severely disorganized thinking
  • Physical health concerns

  
  
  Resources and Supports: 24/7
  

  • Urgent Care, UBC Hospital: 604-822-7121 (until 10 pm) or nearest hospital emergency department
  • Access and Assessment Centre, VGH: 604-675-3700 (24 hours)
  • Crisis Centre: 1-800-784-2433

  
  
  During Office Hours
  

  • UBC Student Health Service (604-822-7011)
  • Student’s family doctor or nearest medical clinic

• Other mental health concerns

  
  Examples
  

  • Low or irritable mood with change in energy, appetite, sleep, and/or concentration, which is impacting daily functioning
  • Persistent worry, obsessions, agitation, irrationality, racing thoughts, panic attacks
  • Flashbacks to a traumatic event, intrusive memories and thoughts
  • Interpersonal conflict
  • Lack of social support
  • Disordered eating 
    

  
  
  Resources and Supports: 24/7
  

  • Mind Health BC: Take an online mental health assessment and find resources
  • First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310
  • Health Link BC: Check physical health symptoms online and find resources

  
  
  During office hours: 
  

  • Counselling Services, Brock Hall, 1040: Walk in to book an appointment with a Wellness Advisor for assessment and referral to the most appropriate level of support
  • UBC Health and Wellbeing

• General support

  
  Examples
  

  • Stress about exams, deadlines, grades, roommates, relationships, finances, adjustment to university
  • Advice about healthy eating, sleep, or sexual health

  
  
  Resources and Supports: 24/7
  Thrive, UBC Wellbeing
  HeretoHelp
  Here2Talk