Signs & Symptoms
This symptom includes sleeping all day, not eating, and withdrawing from friends.
What is depression?
A resident locks themselves out. RA or refer?
RA
You find a student crying in the hallway. What’s your first step?
What is approach calmly, ask if they’re okay, and offer support?
This form is used to document anything concerning that occurs in the building.
What is an incident report?
Talking about suicide will encourage someone to do it.
What is MYTH?
Talking about suicide can actually reduce risk by creating space for someone to open up and get help.
When a resident is pacing, can't sit still, and speaks rapidly, they may be experiencing this.
What is anxiety or panic?
A student reports their roommate is skipping meals and losing weight rapidly. RA or refer?
Refer
A resident is yelling at their roommate and slamming drawers. How do you intervene?
What is de-escalate the situation and ensure physical safety?
You should never promise this when a resident tells you something personal.
What is confidentiality?
Students who post jokes or memes about suicide online are just being dramatic and don’t need to be taken seriously.
What is MYTH?
Even indirect or humorous references to suicide can be a cry for help and should never be ignored.
You notice a resident wearing long sleeves in hot weather and they seem very guarded. This could be a sign of what?
What is self-harm?
A resident says they’re overwhelmed and you notice they haven’t been in class. RA or refer?
RA (with support and check-in)
You walk by and hear a resident sobbing in their bathroom. What do you do?
What is knock, check in, and stay nearby while escalating if needed?
When in doubt, you should always consult with this person on your staff team.
What is the on-call or professional staff?
In a crisis, your role as an RA is to keep the student calm and confidentially handle the situation on your own.
What is MYTH?
Your role is to support and connect, not to manage alone, confidentiality has limits when safety is at risk.
A resident's hygiene suddenly declines and they begin talking to themselves. These could be early signs of what?
What is a psychotic episode?
A resident texts you “I don’t think I can do this anymore.” RA or refer?
What is refer immediately to the crisis team or on-call professional?
A student refuses to open their door but you hear them inside. What’s your next move?
What is call the on-call or supervisor and document the incident?
This campus department provides professional mental health counseling services.
What is the Counseling Center?
It’s better to say “I’m not sure what to say” than to give advice you’re unsure about.
What is FACT?
Being honest and present is better than giving misinformation or false reassurance.
You see evidence of binge drinking and risky behavior over several weekends. What might this pattern suggest?
What is substance misuse or a coping mechanism?
A student has a history of panic attacks and collapses during an argument in the lounge. RA or refer?
What is RA first response and then refer to professionals?
During a floor meeting, a resident discloses they’ve been feeling hopeless. What should you do after?
What is check in 1:1 and report to mental health support?
What three details should you always try to include when documenting a mental health-related incident?
Hint: These three details are also found in the incident report documentation
What are: (1) date/time of the incident
(2) objective observations (not assumptions)
(3) actions taken or referrals made?
You should only escalate or report mental health concerns if someone directly says they want to harm themselves.
What is MYTH?
Many students show warning signs without saying it directly. Gut instinct, changes in behavior, or third-party concerns are valid reasons to escalate.