Someone could be having a mental health crisis if they:

• Tell you they plan to end their life
• Talk about suicide threats
• Cannot guarantee their own safety
• Are at risk of suicide and under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Are at risk of suicide and emotionally distraught, very depressed, angry, or anxious
• Are at risk of suicide and has access to means for suicide (pills, gun, etc.)
• Begin putting affairs in order, like giving away possessions
• Talk about the future without them in it, e.g. “I won’t be here by then.”
• Have dramatic mood changes, including suddenly seeming to get better for no reason

Signs of mental health distress by category:

Academic:

• Repeated absences
• Decline in quality of work or classroom performance
• Work that indicates disturbing content including
• Frequent or unusual class disruptions

Physical:

• Marked changes in appearance (deterioration in grooming, hygiene or weight loss/gain)
• Excessive fatigue
• Intoxication, hung over, or smelling of alcohol/cannabis/other substances
• Appearing sick or ill
• Repeated reports of headache or other physical concerns

Personal/Interpersonal:

• Tearfulness
• Expressions of hopelessness, worthlessness or shame
• Exaggerated personality traits (more withdrawn, animated, or irritated than usual)
• Direct comments about distress or difficulties
• Concerns from classmates or peers

Indicators of High Risk/Crisis:

• Implied or direct threats of harm to self or others
• Self-injurious or destructive behavior
• Seeming to lack self-preservation
• Concerning phrases (“I won’t be around for that”)

• Call Student Well-Being at 573.341.4211 or bring the student to 204 Norwood Hall.
• For emergencies (or for students unwilling or unable to get in contact with Student Well-Being), contact Missouri S&T Police at (573) 341-4300 or call 911
• Text, call, or chat with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or visiting missouri988.org

All available 24/7:

• Call the Missouri S&T Police at (573) 341-4300 or call 911
  • Immediate danger to life of self or others. Missouri S&T Police will consult with a licensed counselor or connect individuals to resources below.
• Call or Text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988
  • You can also chat online at missouri988.org
• Contact the Compass Health Crisis Access Point at 833-356-2427
  • Or visit 1450 East 10th Street, Rolla, MO 65402
• Call the Compass Health Hotline at 888.237.4567
• Call the Phelps Health Hospital Emergency Department at 573.458.7800
  • Or visit 1000 W. 10th St., Rolla, MO
• Call RAINN - Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network at 1-800-656-4673
• National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or chat on thehotline.org

Or view full guide here

• Talk to the student in a private and safe location.
  • “Hi (student). I’ve noticed that you seem a bit more withdrawn in class and I wanted to check in to see if everything is okay.”
  • “I hope this doesn’t seem like overstepping, but I’ve noticed (specific signs) and am worried that you are struggling a bit more than usual. How are you?”
• After starting the conversation, use the V-A-R method: Validate their concerns, Appreciate them opening up, and Refer to appropriate resources.
  • Validate: “I see where you are coming from, that sounds really difficult.”
  • Appreciate: “Thank you for telling me. I know it can be hard to open up.”
  • Refer: “There are resources on campus that can help you- let’s (walk to/call/look up) (resource) together.”
• Other phrases to consider/adapt based on the situation:
  • “Thank you for telling me. I know that it’s difficult and took courage”
  • “There are resources on campus that can help you- let’s (walk to/call) (resource) together.”
  • “I care about you. Your life matters, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now.”
  • “I am worried about you, so I am going to call (resource) and stay with you the whole time, okay?”
  • “Do you have lethal means on you right now?” (if yes, call 911)
• Listen to their concerns without judgement or downplaying their concerns.
• Suicidal threats should ALWAYS be taken seriously.

If time allows or just to be prepared, take Ask.Listen.Refer, a quick online suicide prevention training: asklistenrefer.org/missouri-university-of-science-and-technology 

During:

• Remain calm, but act quickly
• DO NOT leave the person alone if you think their life is in danger
• Trust your instincts that the person may be in trouble
• Listen without judgment
• Get immediate and appropriate help if you don't know what to do
• DO NOT PROMISE SECRECY - there is no confidentiality in life-threatening situations

After:

• If safe and possible, follow through with the person to ensure they are doing okay
• Fill out a UCARE referral so trained university staff can check in with the student on a regular basis and support them as needed
  • Faculty members: Raise a flag in S&T Connect
• Take care of yourself and your own mental health