Assisting Students in Distress: A Campus Network

What to know: data, signs of distress, key individuals/groups    
        What to do: interventions, resources for students  
                Learn more: common mental health concerns  

Mental health is a community responsibility

Communities provide cooperative environments in which individuals make a conscious effort to support one another. Cornell, as a community, provides each of us with opportunities for connection. At times, this means we will experience the joy or the pain of another community member. In certain situations, when an individual is in distress, we may have a personal or professional opportunity to: reach out, lend support and/or make a referral. At Cornell, there are numerous internal networks available to help us address the specific needs and challenges of our fellow community members. The information and resources provided in these pages is largely tailored to assisting Cornell students, however, most can be applied to assisting other members of our community as well.

Students face multiple challenges 

The developmental tasks which are particular to the college years (both grad and undergrad) can be taxing and difficult. Undergraduate students leave the security of home, may experience loves, losses, or personal hardship. Graduate students not only are vulnerable to these stresses, but may face significant challenges related to their multiple roles, the rigorous requirements of their programs, and the financial pressure to complete their degree in a timely fashion. Given the student's limited life experience, the stresses have the potential to create significant periods of crises.

A student – or anyone for that matter- can successfully navigate a crisis if their coping and/or supportive resources surpass the stress of the situation. In fact, many crises can present opportunities for significant personal growth, especially when help is provided. While most crises can be resolved successfully in a few weeks, others may escalate and place the person in significant danger, including the risk of suicide (see data). In order to assist students in avoiding dangerous situations and to maximize their potential to grow, it is important to identify difficulties and provide assistance as early as possible.

How you can help

You do not need to be a trained therapist to help a student in distress. At Cornell, all community members are needed to identify and support students in distress. By becoming familiar with the information in these pages, you can help make a difference.