Helping Students in Distress
Resources for Faculty, Staff, Family and Friends
Those who have regular interactions with individual students, such as faculty, staff, family or friends, are often the first to see concerning behavior and can be an important advocate in their support network. Here, we offer resources to help you better understand your role and what to do in the event of an emergency.
Location:
Center for Counseling and Student Development
Warner Hall, Suite 201
280 The Green
Hours of Operation:
Monday–Friday, 8:30–4:30 p.m.
Last appointment taken at 4 p.m.
What to Do in an Emergency
In emergency situations where students are unwilling or unable to seek help on their own, contact any of these resources.
- Police and/or Ambulance: 911
- The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
- Center for Counseling and Student Development (available Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.): 302-831-2141
- TimelyCare
- UD Helpline (available 24/7/365): 302-831-1001
Resources for Faculty and Staff
As faculty and staff, you are in a unique position to observe and recognize when a student may be experiencing distress or crisis.
UD students have a range of needs and experiences. If you are worried about a student's safety, please call the Center for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD) at 302-831-2141. We rely on our campus partners for taking care of our students' mental health and wellbeing. Connect a student to the help they need by calling or visiting CCSD, or another campus or local resource, together.
In-person and telehealth services are available for triage meetings, short-term individual and group therapy, emergency counseling and consultations.
Always document your interactions with distressed students and consider consulting with CCSD, the Office of the Dean of Students, the Program Chair and/or Assistant Deans of your college, all of whom are positioned to help students attain the help and accommodations needed.
Resources for Parents, Family and Friends
College is a time of great change, when students become more independent and learn how to manage their lives. For families, we know this transition can be filled with anticipation as well as anxiety, confusion and hope. Ways to support your student's growth:
- Provide a steady, supportive home base for your student.
- Recognize that there will be ups and downs in a student's needs and expectations.
- Follow your student's lead and encourage them to work through problems using you as a consultant.
- Help your student balance their thoughts and emotions to make their best decisions.
- Notice and appreciate new skills your student develops.
- Take care of your own needs during what can be a stressful and confusing time.