Lesson 10: Students in Crisis

BYU-PATHWAY WORLDWIDE

What Are Some Examples of Students in Crisis? 

• Abusive Situations

• Immediate Danger

• No job, home, or basic needs

• Death of a student or a family member

• Experience a serious injury that incapacitates them from continuing in their courses 

“Any situation where a student indicates that they are in an unsafe environment or suffering from extreme emotional/psychological distress for a period of 3-5+ days is considered a student in a crisis.”

Students with Mental Health Concerns

Students who struggle with mental health concerns should seek support via medical health professionals and/or local ecclesiastical leaders. 

Some warning signs of suicidal ideations are:

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves

• Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online or buying a gun

• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

• Talking about being a burden to others

• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly

• Sleeping too little or too much

• Withdrawing or isolating themselves

• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

• Displaying extreme mood swings

Procedure

In the event that you receive a message from a highly distressed or suicidal individual, please do the following: 

1. Get the individual’s name

2. Ask where they are

3. Ask what the issue is

4. Ask these questions to determine is in immediate danger:

   1. Ask, "Are you thinking about harming yourself?"

   2. If 1 is Yes, ask "Do you have a plan to harm yourself?"

   3. If 2 is 'Yes', ask "Do you have a timeline to harm yourself"

5. If determined that the student is in immediate danger, ask the student to call 9-1-1 or local law enforcement. Provide the suicide hotline number have them call or text  8-9-9, if applicable. (For international students, Google the country for the hotline number) Additionally encourage the student to reach out to family, their ecclesiastical leaders, or healthcare professionals. 

6. Create a case and send it to Student Wellness. 

Keep in mind when creating a case to Student Wellness: 

• They are not therapists nor will provide one for the student in crisis. 

• They will give the students recommendations for available resources to help themselves. They will suggest things like talking to their bishop, asking leaders for a referral to a therapist, seeking their doctor for medication (if applicable), etc.

• Student wellness may provide accommodations for equitable student experiences

• Student Wellness may provide exceptions that advocate for students experiencing extenuating circumstances 

Remember, it is not your role to replace help that can be provided by medical professionals.

• Avoid giving advice or trying to solve their problems.

• Do not minimize their situation. 

What you can say: 

• "It sounds like you are really struggling. I'd like to listen and help where I can." 

• "You feel _________ (hopeless, sad, anxious, etc) right now; you can get help. You are not alone." 

• "Every student has personal challenges and concerns. No matter what your needs or concerns might be, the Savior and His teachings—the gospel—will help you."

• "We all experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness (etc). These feelings can be fully healed through the Atonement of Christ. He is there to help you."

Focus on the Savior

• "Help [Students] Recognize the Lord’s Love, Power, and Mercy in Their Lives." -Teaching in the Savior’s Way manual

• Remember to not be robotic in these situations. Be sympathetic, listen, and talk to them, do not say anything that could come off as judgmental.