Guidelines for Helping Others

Need Urgent/Crisis Support? Visit Emergencies.

Red Folder Campaign

Many students struggle with balancing coursework and mental health, including your friends and classmates. You can help a peer in need by extending a helping hand, and in doing so, foster a culture of care on campus. 

Recognize

Familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of students who may be in psychological distress.

Respond

Learn skills to effectively intervene and address students of concern

Refer

Use the resource list to refer students to appropriate campus/community resources

Let's Talk About Mental Health

It's tough to start a conversation about mental health. Be the friend who isn't afraid. Watch this video from the Ad Council and JED's Seize the Awkward campaign.

We Can Talk About It | Seize the Awkward | Ad Council

For tools and tips to help support your friends and get help for your own mental health, visit .

Signs of Distress

What are the symptoms of a mental illness? If a student, friend or loved one doesn't seem themselves, how do you spot the difference between a bad mood and something more serious?

  • Feeling Anxious or Worried
  • Feeling Depressed or Unhappy
  • Emotional Outbursts
  • Sleep Problems
  • Weight or Appetite Changes
  • Quiet or Withdrawn
  • Substance Abuse
  • Feeling Guilty or Worthless
  • Feeling Depressed or Unhappy

If you're concerned about someone, ask them how you can help. The first step for them should be to see a doctor or other healthcare professional.

5 Actions for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain

1. Ask

"Are you thinking about killing yourself?"

2. Keep them safe

Reduce access to lethal items or places.

3. Be there

Listen carefully and acknowledge their feelings.

4. Help them connect

Save the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Number: 1-800-273-8255

5. Stay connected

Follow up and stay in touch after a crisis.

Counseling Services

Contact

Counseling Services

757-683-4401 office
757-683-3565 fax
Directory
Spring & Fall M-Th: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. F: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Summer & Breaks M-F: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Meet Our Staff

The Referral Process

If you are concerned about a student but are uncertain about the appropriateness of a referral, feel free to call Counseling Services for a consultation.

If the situation is an emergency, call the office while the student is with you and state, "The student needs an appointment immediately."

The student can be walked down and be seen by a counselor as soon as one becomes available. The student will be seen as a walk-in consultation, which is a one time meeting with the counselor to help the client process their presenting concerns and identify coping skills to begin feeling better.