UW–Madison will sometimes experience an uptick in calls and messages from students experiencing mental health distress and about students of concern. You may see worrisome signs firsthand in students you teach and mentor or be wondering how best to support them. Here are some resources to help.

Messages to share with all students

The messages and actions you convey in your role can make a significant difference in a student’s well-being. Please take concerns seriously and offer support as you are able.

• Your well-being is most important.
• Self-care means advocating for your needs.
• Reaching out for help is a sign of strength.
• I’m here to listen if you need to talk.
• You are more than your grade in this class.

Ways to check in with students

It is always better to check in with someone and find that they are okay, or to provide flexibility, than to miss an opportunity to offer support when it is needed. The UHS Healthy Academics Toolkit includes more information about these strategies on the Recognize, Respond, Refer web page.

Recognize signs of distress:

• Changes in behavior, such as missing class or repeated requests for additional time on assignments or projects.
• Changes to appearance, such as swollen eyes or changes to personal hygiene.
• References to self-harm or death, including expressing feelings of hopelessness.

Respond to a student in need:

• Start the conversation with concrete, observable behaviors that caused your concern.
• Maintain a calm, supportive tone.

Refer a student to resources:

• Campus has a variety of mental health resources available to students now, detailed below.
• If the person is not in immediate danger, the decision to seek help is entirely up to that person.
• If you are concerned a student may be contemplating suicide, please refer to Suicide Prevention Resources for Faculty & Staff.

Campus resources that can offer immediate help

24/7 Crisis Services – Someone is always available to talk about a student mental health concern. The UHS mental health crisis line is staffed by UHS providers during the day and licensed, professional counselors on the evenings and weekends. Students should call if they are experiencing a serious mental health concern, or anyone can call with concerns about a student: 608-265-5600 (option 9).

Let’s Talk – Let’s Talk offers students daily virtual sessions with licensed counselors. Students can sign up online for a 20-minute private consultation within a two-hour period. Sessions are available until May 5.

Dean of Students Office Same Day Drop-in – The Dean of Students Office connects students who are navigating personal, academic, or health issues, to supportive campus and community resources. Students can schedule same-day drop-in support online.

Free Self-guided Resources

Healthy Minds App (Apple and Google Play) – Anyone can access free, science-backed mindfulness resources from UW–Madison’s Center for Healthy Minds, including active and seated meditations, podcast-style lessons, and reporting to track changes in your well-being over time.

Connecting Badgers Podcast – UHS mental health providers host a podcast where they offer tips to help students improve their mental health literacy and able to recognize, manage, and prevent mental health concerns.

If a student is struggling with a mental health concern, please assure them that they are not alone and that reaching out for support is a sign of strength. Call the UHS 24-hour crisis line if you need support to help a student in crisis — a counselor will always be available to talk. If you are concerned about a student’s overall well-being, please let the Dean of Students Office know so they can follow up.