How to Help Others

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

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

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.

• If someone is crisis (are an immediate danger to themselves or others), get them connected to a crisis resource immediately .

• 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

• 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

Intermountain Healthcare put together a brief and interactive training to teach people about signs and symptoms of suicide, as well as to educate people how to respond. Take this free training here .