Helping a Student

Campus Care Guide

Part 1: Recognizing Emotional Distress

Pay attention for multiple signs of distress

Consider: Frequency, Duration, and Severity

When in doubt reach out to your MHWS team for consultation and support.

Academic Signs

• Decline in quality of work or grades
• Repeated absences or requests for extensions
• Overly demanding of time and attention
• Disruptive/inappropriate behavior
• Concerning content in writing, presentations, or discussions

Physical Signs

• Poor hygiene or deterioration in appearance
• Noticeable weight loss or gain
• Excessive fatigue, listlessness, or lack of energy
• Swollen or red eyes

Psychological Signs

• Personality changes, "not acting like themselves"
• Mood changes: increased irritability, anxiety, anger, or moodiness
• Difficulty controlling emotions or calming down
• Loss of joy/pleasure
• Feeling hopeless or overwhelmed

Behavioral Signs

• Withdrawal or social isolation
• Impulsive or risky behavior
• Verbal outbursts
• Physical signs of agitation: restlessness, hyperactivity, rapid speech
• Incoherent, confused speech
• Verbal or written statements covering themes such as suicide, death, homicide, acts of violence or other threatening statements

Warning Signs for Suicide

• Direct communication: talking/writing about wanting to die, extreme shame/guilt, and/or being a burden to others
• Indirect communication: vague written or verbal statements about suicide (e.g. "I can't do this anymore," "What's the point?")
• Feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, extreme sadness
• Saying goodbye, tying up "loose ends," giving possessions away

If you are concerned about a student's immediate physical safety, contact Public Safety at 631-451-4242.

To consult about a non-emergency mental health situation contact Mental Health & Wellness Services.

Part 2: Responding to Students in Emotional Distress

It’s everyone’s job to care for one another 

As a faculty/staff member you are in a position to support a student in need 

If you feel uneasy about how to provide support, contact MHWS to discuss an intervention plan

Prepare to Reach Out to the Student

• Become aware of campus resources
• Contact MHWS to discuss your concerns and how to best support the student
• Set aside adequate time for the conversation

Connect with the Student

• This can be done through an email, video conference, phone call, or in person - choose a space that protects the student's privacy
• Clearly and simply express your concerns; focus on the specific behavior of concern
• Try to share your perspective without directly challenging the student
• Listen and validate the student's feelings and experiences
• Normalize how the student is feeling and reflect on how everyone struggles during challenging times
• Explore the student's support system. Do they have supportive friends or family members they can go to?
• Try to foster hope. This is just a moment in time, feelings are fluid and fleeting

Tips for Building Trust

• Be patient
• Listen
• Use open-ended questions
• Validate the student's thoughts and feelings
• Normalize their reactions
• Use the student's language when reflecting their thoughts and feelings
• Use empathy
• Be non-judgmental
• Pay attention to your non-verbal cues

Making a Referral: Mild/Moderate Distress (No safety concerns)

• Recognize and acknowledge your limitations (time, expertise, knowledge of resources)
• Recommend that the student connect with a licensed professional through MHWS
• Provide student with information on the services offered through MHWS
• Inform the student that services are FREE & CONFIDENTIAL
• Direct the student to the MHWS website or provide them with the contact information for their campus MHWS coordinator
• If on campus, offer to walk the student over to MHWS
• Call MHWS to inform them of the referral and provide pertinent information
• Check in with the student later to see how they are doing
• Be aware that some students might be hesitant to reach out. It sometimes takes several referrals before students seek support

Making a Referral: Severe Distress Or Crisis (Safety concerns are present)

• Between 9AM-5PM, Monday through Friday: contact your campus MHWS Coordinator. The coordinator will ask about the situation and provide guidance on appropriate next steps.
• After hours: contact PUBLIC SAFETY 631-451-4242

Part 3: Resource Center

Resources Available to Our Students

We encourage faculty and staff to familiarize yourself with these resources

On Campus Resources

Mental Health and Wellness Services (MHWS)

Email: mentalhealth@sunysuffolk.edu

Ammerman Campus:
Kreiling Hall Room 101
631-451-4040
Eastern Campus:
Peconic Building Room 212
631-548-2650
Grant Campus:
Sagtikos Arts & Science Building Room 122
631-851-6876

Disability Services

Ammerman Campus: disabilitya@sunysuffolk.edu 
Eastern Campus: disabilitye@sunysuffolk.edu 
Grant Campus: disabilityg@sunysuffolk.edu

Student Health Services

Ammerman Campus: 631-451-4047
Eastern Campus: 631-548-2510
Grant Campus: 631-851-6709

Off Campus Resources

Psychiatric Emergencies

DASH Care Center
24-Hour Crisis Community-Based Site
90 Adams Avenue, Hauppauge, NY 11788
631-952-3333

Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room

Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence

Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk (VIBS)
24-Hour Hotline
631-360-3606

The Retreat (East End)
24-Hour Hotline
631-329-2200

Crisis Hotlines/Text Lines

RESPONSE Hotline
24-Hour Crisis Counseling
631-751-7500

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255) or
Text: START to 741-741

Substance Use/Abuse

Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD)
24-Hour Hotline
631-979-1700