October 16, 2024
Supporting students in distress
The time between mid-terms and fall break can be particularly stressful for students. Student Support and Accountability has resources to help anyone interacting with students in distress.
We encourage everyone to review the website on how to recognize signs of distress, start a conversation with a friend or peer, and make a thoughtful referral to get the student connected with support. It is okay if you are not sure how to respond to someone in crisis, but it is not okay to do nothing or not tell anyone. When in doubt, consider helping the student connect with the resources by walking them to the resource.
If you are working with a student who is actively in a crisis, please refer to the protocols on the Lafene Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS, website for students who need help now. If you do not feel comfortable engaging with the friend or peer, consider calling Student Support and Accountability, or filling out the student of concern referral form so we can provide appropriate outreach and response. Do not assume someone else has already reported the concern or notified the university. Referring a friend or peer through this process is not getting them in trouble or reporting to a disciplinary process, it's helping connect them with other helping resources.
If you are unsure about what to do next or how to support a friend or peer, call Student Support and Accountability between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays at 785-532-6432, stop by 201 Holton Hall or email studentsupport@k-state.edu. We are here to help and are always available to consult.