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How to Help Others

How to Help Others
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    How can you help someone in need?
    How can you help someone in need?

    Just remember the acronym “ICU” (“I see you”):

    • Identify the signs of distress
    • Connect with the person experiencing distress
    • Understand the way forward together
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    Identify the signs of distress
    Identify the signs of distress

    There can be many signs that someone may be in distress. Some examples include:

    • Academic indicators
      • Sudden decline in quality of work and grades
      • Repeated absences
      • Not turning in assignments
    • Physical indicators
      • Sleep problems/fatigue
      • Change in appetite or weight
      • Disoriented
      • Headaches/stomach problems
    • Psychological indicators
      • Self-disclosure of personal distress that could include family problems, financial difficulties, depression, grief, or thoughts of suicide
      • Excessive tearfulness, panic reactions, irritability, or unusual apathy
      • Expressions of concern about the student by his/her/their peers
      • Feeling out of control
      • Mood swings
      • Sadness/depression
      • Irritability or agitation
      • Extreme worry, fear, or anxiety

    In addition to identifying the signs of distress, you also want to identify the level of distress.

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    Connect with the person experiencing distress
    Connect with the person experiencing distress
    • Start a conversation with them. You could use phrases like:
      • “I’ve been noticing _____. What’s been going on?”
      • “How have you been feeling?”
      • “You haven’t seemed like yourself lately. What’s up?
    • Truly listen to the student and be present with them
    • Show that you care by expressing empathy
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    Understand the way forward together
    Understand the way forward together
    • Help them develop a plan for the next action
    • Focus on the most pressing concern
    • Connect the student to a resource.
      • You may want to walk with them to the resource ­­or call the resource together if they don’t feel comfortable on their own
    • Follow-up with them after to see if they followed through on the referral

For Faculty

A counselor is available to consult about students, provide referrals to campus departments, and follow-up as appropriate. If immediate attention is needed, call Campus Safety (801-240-2771).

If you have concern for a student or wish to report misconduct, the Dean of Students is also happy to take your report and will respond appropriately.

Have a question? Our Virtual Assistant may be able to help.

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