Responding to Mental Health
Problems on Campus
David Ness and Jodie Schoenbeck
What are some common responses to
mental health problems?
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Avoidance
Minimize and/or Catastrophize
Ignore/no response
Judgment (e.g., ridicule)
Unhelpful advice (e.g., “just relax”)
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What to Do
• Don’t be hesitant about approaching someone who appears
to be struggling – they may not approach you.
• Start by listening and exploring what is happening – don’t
jump to action or conclusions.
o Don’t engage in common responses
o Ask questions, show interest and don’t judge.
o Gather information to understand the person’s story
o Get first-hand information
• Determine the urgency of the situation.
o What is the difference between crisis and emergency?
What to Do
• Determine the best resource or course of action.
• If a crisis/emergency is occurring, you may need to act fast.
o Make direct contact with referral services – don’t leave a message
o Consider contacting “STATIS” or the Student Support Case Manager
o Other resources: Student Counselling Centre, Security Services,
Winnipeg Police, Mobile Crisis Service, Student’s emergency contact
• If possible, consult with others.
• Make an effective referral.
• Check in with the student after referral – make sure
something is happening.
What to Do – Referring Effectively
• Begins by understanding the person’s situation or “story”
• Emphasize that you want the person to get the best help possible
and that you probably do not have the skills to give them the best
help – you likely don’t have relevant training and/or experience.
• Tell the person you can help them identify available resources.
• Don’t be hesitant to indicate you’re unsure of resources, if this is
true. If unsure, consult and explore to find options and consider
making contact with resource(s) by telephone to ensure
appropriateness of referral.
• Do not be part of a “run-around” process.
Remember…..
• that a primary goal is to recognize when someone isn’t
doing well.
• to always start by listening well.
• to remain calm and neither minimize nor catastrophize.
• you don’t have to diagnose or solve the problem.
• that gently approaching someone with caring is not invasive.
• that another goal is to effectively connect the person with
helping resources.
• to take care of yourself and to know your triggers.
• always, always, always……..CONSULT!
Title of presentation
umanitoba.ca