Recognizing when a peer is struggling with anxiety or depression is sometimes difficult. Fellow students, classmates, dorm residents, the person who sits next to you in church or your service\/social club, plays athletics with you or sits by themselves in your dining area may struggle with worry, depression, loneliness and even thoughts of death or suicide.
\nSome common signs that might suggest a peer\u2019s need for help include when they:<\/p>\n
Getting Help – Connect, Ask, Stay<\/strong> If a person is in moderate distress and not having thoughts of killing themselves or someone else, support them while they get help. For example, have them call the campus counseling center or login to TimelyMD (24 hours) or another campus resource for an appointment.
\nThere are ways that you can help your friends, family or peers in need. First, connect<\/em> with the person. Ask<\/em> how they are doing. Specifically, ask if the person is having any thoughts of hurting or killing themselves or anyone else. All of the above signs are common in people with suicidal ideation. Asking shows concern; asking does not appear to increase suicidal thoughts. Do not promise to keep suicidal thoughts a secret. Let them know you want to assist them in getting help. Stay<\/em> with them until you get them to help if you are with someone who is talking about killing themselves.
\nFor campus resources, find the numbers below for your university:<\/p>\n\n
\nBesides professional support, if the person has another friend, family member, church member\/pastor, dorm supervisor, faculty or staff that seems supportive to them, suggest they contact that person.
\nWhen a person is in distress, they need a sense of connection, support and belonging. See the powerful video below,\u00a0\u201cYou Belong,\u201d by Mental Health of America Texas.<\/p>\n