Mental Health Faculty And Staff Tool Kit
5 Things You Can Do for Students’ Mental Health
(Printable Version)
Mental health and personal issues impact academic success: Past research from the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill found that 64% of university students who withdrew cited mental health issues as their primary reason. Linking students to counseling & support services can be a positive step towards their success in school and beyond.
Counseling & Psychological Services (CPS) and all of Student Health Partners is here to support you in our efforts to increase students’ awareness and utilization of support services, as well encourage students to help students self-identify and refer. Below are 5 things you can do to promote students’ mental health, well-being, and academic success.
Familiarize yourself with MSU Mental Health Resources & Crisis Protocol
This document has information about who to call in a crisis, protocols for a student death, and prevention & support services available to students:
www.montana.edu/suicide-prevention/mh-resources-and-crisis-protocol.html
Take an Online Training in Suicide Prevention: Mindwise SOS
Coming in July 2024, the Mindwise Signs of Suicide training is available to faculty/staff. This teaches how to identify signs of suicide risk and ways to support and refer.
HOW TO ACCESS THE TRAINING:
- Go to mindwise.digitalchalk.com
- Provide name, chosen email and password, click “Create.”
- Enter the redemption code: MSU , then click “Next.”
- View your dashboard and choose your module: Fac/Staff: SOS for Higher Ed, Suicide prevention for Faculty/Staff/
- After completing the training, a certificate of completion is mailed to you.
Invite CPS to speak to your class, department, or staff
We can provide information to students or faculty departments regarding CPS Services,
Time/Stress
Management, Depression, Anxiety, Suicide Prevention, and College Mental Health. You
can also request a
training in Mental Health First Aid or Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR). To schedule
email
cpsoutreach@montana.edu.
Consult with CPS and the Dean of Students Office (DOS) if you are concerned about a student
Use the Cats app or online reSafe ferral form to alert the DOS of your concerns: www.bit.ly/2LLPolD, or call DOS (994-2826) or CPS (994-4531). If you are concerned about the immediate safety of an individual, call University Police at 911.
De-stigmatize struggles & help-seeking by talking to students about the resources available for counseling & academic support
Consider putting this statement and list of resources in your syllabus:
MSU strives to create a culture of support and recognizes that your mental health and wellness are equally as important as your physical health. We want you to know that it’s OK if you experience difficulty, and there are several resources on campus to help you succeed emotionally, personally, and academically:
Counseling & Psychological Services: montana.edu/counseling
Health Advancement: montana.edu/oha
Insight Program (Substance Use): montana.edu/oha/insight
Suicide Prevention: montana.edu/suicide-prevention
Medical Services: montana.edu/health/medical.html
WellTrack: montana.welltrack.com/register
Mental Health Screen: screening.mentalhealthscreening.org/montanastateuniv
Let’s Talk: montana.edu/counseling/letstalk.html
Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Students are experiencing...
Anxiety & Stress
related to their health or health of family/friends, catching/spreading COVID, financial
strain, living environ- ment, keeping up with school, possible changes in academic
course modality, political/cultural issues stirred by/ during pandemic.
Grief & Loss
surrounding loss of typical event/rituals associated with transitions, disruption
to “normal” first-year/student experiences, loss of jobs/internships, research, travel,
or other academic experiences, disruptions in relationships, loneliness due to physical
distancing, death of family or friends.
Limited Resources
housing and finances, food insecurity, WiFi, in-person healthcare/counseling, privacy.
Fatigue
around physical distancing, face coverings, online conferencing/dependence, social/political
divides.
Continue to Watch for Students of Concern
Due to changes in regular student life, you may be students’ most common, regular contact to campus!
Watch for students who express extreme distress, hopelessness, depression, suicidal thinking, as well as students who disengage, stop participating, or whose performance declines.
Check in with students via phone or online conference when possible.
Encourage peer support, increased focus on wellness, and use of campus resources.
Be Flexible When Possible
Acknowledge the many struggles that students and their families are facing.
To promote better sleep habits, don’t have assignments due past 9pm.
Leave assignments and discussions unlocked, or unlock judiciously.
Make classwork asynchronous when possible for students with accessibility issues.
Encourage (and model) flexibility and tolerance: there will continue to be many changes and challenges due to the pandemic!
Counseling Services
CPS remains open and available. CPS provides tele-mental health services during periods of physical distancing and for students who are ill, quarantined, or are unable to/prefer not to attend campus. CPS continues to provide group support during this time as well through online connection groups. Students can call CPS at 406-994-4531 or visit https://www.montana.edu/counseling/ to learn more about services during this time.
Let’s Talk Informal Consultations
Many students don’t need a formal counseling session, but could benefit from a brief, one-time consultation with a counselor. During the pandemic, Let’s Talk services will be provided online. Let’s Talk services are not a substitute for counseling or a crisis resource, but intended to provide some quick advice or support for minor student issues. Students can see the Let’s Talk schedule and weblink at: https://www.montana.edu/counseling/letstalk.html
Maintain Your Own Boundaries & Self-Care
Remember to practice your own self-care and get the support you need!
Remember that you can’t be all things for all students.
CPS is available to consult about students of concern.
The Office of the Dean of Students is available to consult about students of concern at 994-2826.
Get any support or services you need: many resources are available through the Employee Assistance Program: visit https://choices.mus.edu/eap-work-life.html to learn more.