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Crisis Services

• The South Central Crisis 24/7 Center Crisis Line at (877) 399-3040
• call, text 988, or use the online chat feature on the website
• Crisis support & suicide prevention resources compiled for the Â鶹ÊÓƵ community.

RESPOND Training

Being a helping resource for students in emotional distress

College life presents many stressors (academic, social, family, work, financial). While most students cope successfully, some may become overwhelmed. As a trusted member of the campus community, your support can be crucial in helping students regain emotional balance for academic success. This guide will help you recognize signs of distress and offer effective support.

Students may exhibit varying levels of distress. Look for persistent changes over time:

Mild Concerns

• Significant drop in grades or excessive absences.
• Unusual or changed interaction patterns (e.g., withdrawal, excessive anxiety, dominating discussions, rapid speech, falling asleep).
• Difficulty concentrating, making decisions.
• Persistent depressed mood, lethargy.
• Marked changes in personal appearance or hygiene, or other "odd" behaviors.

Moderate Concerns

• Repeated requests for special consideration, especially with emotional discomfort.
• New or recurring behavior pushing boundaries or interfering with class/work/living areas.
• Unusual or exaggerated emotional responses.
• Expressed hostility towards others.

Severe Concerns (Needs Immediate Attention)

• Highly disruptive, hostile, aggressive, or violent behavior.
• Inability to communicate clearly (disjointed thoughts, slurred speech).
• Loss of contact with reality (hallucinations, delusional beliefs).
• Disorientation to time, place, or people.
• Overtly suicidal or homicidal thoughts.

• For Severe Concerns: Remain calm and follow the specific procedures outlined in the "Emergency Assistance and Referrals" section of this document. Call for immediate help.
• For Mild or Moderate Concerns: You can choose to address the issue directly or refer the student to a professional. If you choose to approach a student:
• Talk in private: Find a calm time and place for an uninterrupted conversation.
• Express concern nonjudgmentally: "I've noticed you've been absent from class lately, and I'm concerned."
• Listen sensitively: Allow the student to share their thoughts and feelings without interruption.
• Explore solutions: Discuss what they've tried, why it hasn't worked, and consider other options.
• Avoid judging: Respect their perspective and avoid criticism unless specifically asked.

When a student asks for help with a problem and you are willing to help, there are often circumstances that may indicate that you should refer a student to a professional resource, as well. Some of these situations include:

• The problem or request is beyond your expertise
• Personality differences will interfere with your ability to help
• You know the student personally, and do not believe you could be objective enough to help
• The student acknowledges the problem, but is reluctant to talk to you about it
• After working with the student for some time, little progress has been made and you do not know how to proceed
• You are feeling overwhelmed, pressed for time, or are otherwise are at a high level of personal stress
• There is immediate danger to the student or someone else (i.e. suicide, homicide, abuse, assault, harassment, etc.). In these situations, it is imperative that you refer to additional College offices.

Refer a student to a professional resource when

• The problem is beyond your expertise.
• Personal differences or relationships might hinder your ability to help objectively.
• You feel overwhelmed or lack time.
• The student acknowledges a problem but is reluctant to talk to you further.
• There's immediate danger to the student or others (e.g., suicide, homicide, abuse). In these cases, immediate referral to College offices is imperative.

Making a Referral

Be frank about your limits while respecting their willingness to confide in you. Suggest referrals directly and positively. Provide specific information about available campus or community resources (e.g., Counseling Center, Campus Safety, Dean of Students, clergy, family).

Encourage students to call and make an appointment immediately, ideally from your office phone, as students making their own appointments increases follow-through. Reassure them that seeking help is common and doesn't imply serious problems.

If a student is reluctant, you can still consult with the Counseling Center for guidance.

The Counseling Center staff is available to help you:

• Assess the seriousness of a situation.
• Learn about appropriate on- and off-campus resources.
• Process your own feelings and optimize your effectiveness.

Contact the Counseling Center at 507-933-7027 or visit 204 Johnson Student Union for a consultation appointment.

Emergency and Crisis Resources

For immediate emergency or crisis support, including suicide prevention resources, please refer to our dedicated suicide prevention and mental health crisis information.

See our suicide prevention and mental health crisis resources information for further emergency and crisis support resources.

Other on-campus resources to consider:
Campus Safety: (507) 933-8888
Dean of Students: (507) 933-7526

To learn more about navigating mental health concerns, the Counseling Center recommends their RESPOND training, with details included below.