Students can play a critical role in mental health crisis management and suicide prevention. Students are much more likely to reach out to peers for support before exploring other resources, like campus counseling. In fact, according to the 2021 Healthy Minds Study, 58% of students report going to a friend or roommate when experiencing serious emotional distress.

Although this informal social support can be beneficial, most students aren’t well-equipped or trained to handle a mental health crisis and don’t know who to notify or how to respond.  How can we ensure that they know the right protocols, have access to the right resources, and are empowered to take action to protect their peers?

“By providing education and training, promoting open dialogue, and making help resources easily accessible, institutions can engage students in creating a culture of care on campus. Peer support and social connectedness are crucial parts of building this,” says Emily Grady, LPCC-S, a licensed counselor and former Clinical Solutions Consultant at Mantra Health.

8 Ways to Educate Students on Crisis and Suicide Prevention

Crisis and suicide prevention starts with awareness. Students need to know what a crisis is, who’s at risk for suicide, how to identify a crisis in real time, and what to do when a peer comes to them for support. Here are some ways campus leaders can help educate students:

Conduct suicide awareness campaigns.

Contrary to popular belief, speaking publicly about suicide does not make people suicidal. In fact, research shows that suicide awareness campaigns can increase public knowledge and acceptance of depression and other mental illnesses. Suicide awareness campaigns on campus can help debunk information, give students a better understanding of mental health issues, and remind students that they’re not alone and help is available.

Encourage open conversations.

Mental illness thrives on shame and secrecy. By encouraging campus-wide conversations about mental health and suicide, you can reduce mental health stigma on your campus and make it easier for students to ask for help. Campaigns and resources like Seize the Awkward from The Jed Foundation can help facilitate these conversations and help students feel more comfortable talking about their mental health.

Train students on the signs and symptoms of a crisis.

Students might not know what a mental health crisis looks like. Depression and other mental health conditions can also present differently for different people (for instance, some people with depression may exhibit irritability and anger, rather than sadness). Provide free workshops and training sessions so students can identify when a peer is in crisis.

Provide effective intervention training.

Students may be able to recognize when a peer is experiencing mental health issues, but they might not know what to do or say. Give them step-by-step guidance on what questions to ask, how to provide support, and how to notify the right people. “A student has an amazing ability to be a bridge and empower their peers to connect with support systems. The right training can help them build the confidence to know how to make these connections,” says Grady.

Ensure that all students know campus protocols.

Every campus should have policies or guidelines around mental health crises and emergencies. Instead of limiting these protocols to faculty and staff, make them known to students so they are prepared. “This information, along with resources, can be incorporated into orientations or first-year seminars. If you can, host additional conversations or trainings throughout the year with student organizations and leadership groups,” says Grady.

Make resources accessible.

Crisis management and suicide prevention resources help students and other members of the campus community respond effectively. Put these resources on your campus website, on social media platforms, and in public spaces on campus so students can easily access them. Every student should know how to reach a mental health professional should they need to.

Host peer support groups.

Peer support groups should be offered to students as they provide an added layer of support to students. Often these are led or hosted by students who have lived experiences with mental illness or suicidality. Students may not want to visit a therapist or call the crisis line, but they may feel comfortable talking to someone their age who understands what they’re going through

Provide crisis services.

Students might be hesitant to call 911 when someone is in crisis, especially if they’re concerned about punishment for drug use or underaged drinking.  Encourage students to use the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) or your own campus crisis line. Remind students that they can also call the line on behalf of a peer.

Everyone has an important role to play when it comes to ensuring the health and safety of the campus community. By educating students on crisis and suicide prevention, you can equip students with the tools they need to support their peers when a crisis occurs.

How does Mantra supports crisis and suicide prevention efforts? Learn about our 24/7 crisis support line ConnectNow. Contact us at partner@mantrahealth.com.