All members of the academic community are part of an active support network, where a watchful eye and a supportive word can make a difference!

We can be each other’s “sentinels” – by being alert to possible signs that a colleague needs help and knowing the best way to act on those signs you can not only improve their well-being and that of the community in general, but also prevent possible escalation into more dangerous behavior for yourself or others.

To become a true Sentinel of the academic community, you should take into consideration different levels of alerts to look out for:

• Worrying Level: signs of possible suffering manifested in academic, physical, emotional or social changes;
• Urgent Level: demonstrations of suffering and potential risk to self or others;
• Emergency Level: immediate threat of harm to self or others.

This suffering can translate into different behaviors and manifest itself in a variety of ways.

Below are some examples of changes in behavior or functioning that may indicate psychological distress and require special attention, particularly when they interfere with health, academic performance or social functioning:

• Deep sadness, hopelessness or apathy;
• Loss of interest in socializing;
• Decline in academic performance (e.g. falling behind, skipping classes,…)
• Written or spoken threats of suicide;
• Persistent difficulties with sleep, appetite, concentration or motivation;
• Significant increase in substance use (alcohol, drugs);
• Impulsive or risky behavior (e.g. non-compliance with basic safety rules);
• Emotional outbursts that seem out of proportion or out of context (anger, hostility, compulsive crying);
• Worrying changes in hygiene or physical appearance (including weight);
• Visible cuts, burns or wounds (indicative of self-harm or violence);
• Unusual or extreme obsessions (with people, situations or topics);
• Threats of violence.

You can consult and save this and other information in more detail at: Helping a colleague… Warning signs.

If you identify with any of these behaviors or notice changes in yourself that worry you, check out our section on Well-being and Mental Health and/or make an appointment with us.

It can be difficult to imagine yourself in a situation where help is needed and you don’t know exactly how or what to do.

In fact, it’s important to adjust your response to the situation you’ve identified and the level of distress the other person may be going through. In any case, the most valuable help you can give is to try to be there for the needs you encounter!

The truth is that there will be several “right ways” to help and the only real risk you can take is to do nothing.

Taking into account the level of seriousness of the situation identified and how close you may or may not be to this colleague, you can:

– Speak directly to the person, expressing your concern. Try to adopt an understanding and non-judgmental approach, expressing your perception and feelings rather than pointing out possible problems. Avoid jumping to conclusions or offering quick solutions.

– Suggest seeking help. Remind the person that the pain or difficulties they’re experiencing at the moment won’t be permanent and that help is available. You could suggest that they contact a mental health or other professional, if necessary, as well as close family members who can help. Avoid giving ultimatums or pressuring the person to ask for help.

– Recommend and/or refer to different types of support. Help can come from individuals you trust, such as close teachers, (groups of) mentors or FEUP staff; or you can suggest looking for services available to help in these situations, such as FEUP’s Social Commissariat, Mental Health professionals (namely GOI or SASUP), health professionals from UP’s Social Support Services, etc.

– Support your colleague’s decision and accompany her/him in seeking help, if she/he wishes.

– If the situation is urgent, you can help the person establish contact with helplines or make appointments for psychological support.

– If the situation is an Emergency, contact 112 immediately.

– Remember that you don’t have to go through these situations alone and that you can contact us if you have any questions or concerns that you don’t feel able to resolve.

Source: https://health.cornell.edu/resources/health-topics/concern-others

We’ve already seen different ways of helping and providing assistance when you identify a person in pain. However, talking about helping others can be easier than putting it into practice and actually being with the person experiencing difficulties.

In the academic context – as in other contexts of our lives – colleagues and friends, who share the same experiences and difficulties, end up becoming advisors and possible sources of help. But are we really always willing to listen?

We want to help you help others, so we’ve put together a compilation of tips on how to talk to a colleague or friend. Check it out here: Helping a colleague… Knowing how to listen.

About suicide:

Talking and hearing about suicide can be particularly challenging.

There is a common idea that talking about suicide can stimulate these thoughts in someone’s mind or lead them to act on them. Scientific evidence proves the opposite: talking about suicidal thoughts can reduce anxiety, open up communication and, consequently, reduce the risk of impulsive behavior.

If a colleague shares these thoughts with you, remain calm. Try to reassure them that they are being heard, that you are available to help and that things can get better. Express your concern about the situation in a welcoming way and facilitate the search for professional psychological help.

Source: https://health.cornell.edu/resources/health-topics/concern-others