Recognising, identifying and referring
As a lecturer, you are often the face of the University for students, which means they may turn to you to share their problems, for example. Or you may recognise that one of your students needs support. This may relate to academic matters, such as help with writing (theses), planning or studying with a disability, or to personal matters, such as coping with stress, loneliness or (serious) psychological problems. Signs that can indicate this can be absence from classes, changes in behaviour or performance, emotional distress (anger, sadness), a unkept appearance, or being under the influence (drugs, alcohol).
What can you do as a lecturer?
- Recognise: Do you see signs that the student needs help? Share your observations and concerns with a colleague.
- Ask further questions: Talk to the student, share what you have observed, and ask if the student recognises this.
- Assess: Ask further questions to work with the student to determine how serious the problem is and what support might help. Also ask about the student’s own social support network.
- Referral: Refer the student to one of the support services offered by the UvA (see infographic) or to their own family doctor. In the event of serious issues, such as suspected suicidal thoughts, refer them to 113.nl or call 112.
- Follow up: Stay in touch and ask whether the student has found the support needed.
- Self-care: If students have serious problems, this can have an impact on you, so make sure you look after yourself too.
Would you like to know more about what you can do if you suspect a student is at genuine risk due to mental health issues? You can visit the 113.nl website. Faculty of Science (FNWI) staff can also apply to attend the Gatekeeper training via TLC FNWI. If you are not a member of FNWI staff, please contact the email address on the relevant page to discuss what might be possible.