How to talk with your student about their mental health

For some students, talking about their mental health can be difficult. Common reasons students keep mental health concerns to themselves include feeling fearful of how others will perceive them, fear of disappointing others or looking “weak,” not feeling confident in communicating their feelings, or being unsure of what exactly they need for support. Keep reading to review how to notice your student may be struggling with their mental health and get tips on how to ask about their mental health.

Common signs that your student’s mental health might be declining:

• Increased isolation; decreased involvement in social engagements and extracurricular activities or more time alone.
  
• Significant changes in mood or behavior.
  
• Decreased communication with trusted individuals in their life.
  
• Difficulty regulating emotions: increased anger, tearfulness, panic.
  
• Changes in sleeping or eating patterns.

• Try to talk with your student in a private space, if possible, free from distraction.
  
• Communicate in a calm, nonjudgmental and direct manner.
  
• Provide validation and show your understanding.
  
• Offer support and ask how you can help.
  
• Consider how you can connect your student to resources.

• “I’ve noticed you have seemed a little more isolated lately, and you shared with me that you haven’t been sleeping well. How has your mental health been recently?”
  
• “I know college can feel overwhelming at times. You’re balancing a lot right now. Is there anything I can do to help support you this semester?”
  
• “I care about you and am here to support you. Can we talk about what you are experiencing and what you might be needing? It is okay if you don’t know exactly what you need, but we can figure it out together.”

More details at: https://caps.unl.edu