BYU-PATHWAY WORLDWIDE
BYU-Pathway Worldwide understands that Online Students can suffer from extreme psychological, and emotional, distress.
Student Wellness Provides the Following Services for Students in Crisis:
Recommendations to available resources and decisions
Accommodations for equitable student experiences
Exceptions that advocate for students experiencing extenuating circumstances
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 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
In the event that you receive a message from a highly distressed or suicidal individual, please do the following:
Get the individual’s name
Ask where they are
Ask what the issue is
Ask these questions to determine is in immediate danger:
Ask, "Are you thinking about harming yourself?"
If 1 is Yes, ask "Do you have a plan to harm yourself?"
If 2 is 'Yes', ask "Do you have a timeline to harm yourself"
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.
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.
Mental Health Resources
Students in Crisis