Conversation Guide: Mental Health
Your role matters
Mental health concerns are relatively common among college students. It’s likely that your student or one of their friends will need help at some point in their college career. However, our data shows that stigma around seeking mental health treatment is decreasing among UW–Madison students, and many students are seeking help—over half of students have received mental health support at some point in their lives.
You play a vital role in telling your student that you would support their decision to seek help and learning what resources are available.
Tips for talking to your student about mental health
Normalize mental health conversations
Mention that it is common to feel a wide range of emotions, including feeling overwhelmed or anxious, during big life transitions such as college.
Avoid judgment
Let your student speak freely without criticism or overreaction.
Celebrate all kinds of wins
Acknowledge efforts and growth, not just achievements.
Starting the conversation
Proactive conversations
Before your student heads to campus
College life comes with ups and downs. Students may have unrealistic expectations that their college experience live up to what they’ve seen on TV or in movies. Help prepare them for unexpected or new challenges.
- “Sometimes people say that college is the best years of your life, but it is also a big transition. It may feel difficult at times.”
Encourage your student to be proactive about their health care, including using mental health services, and encourage them to check in with others.
- “I learned about mental health services at UHS. They offer many different counseling and support options.”
It’s okay to prioritize your mental health.
- “You are more important than your grades.”
- “Go easy on yourself.”
Checking in from afar
After your student is on campus
Set the tone with support and openness.
- “What has been the best part of your semester so far?”
- “How have you been taking care of yourself this semester?”
- “What is something you learned about yourself this semester?”
Sometimes, talking about friends can feel more accessible to students.
- “This can be a stressful time. How are your friends adjusting?”
- “How would you help a friend or roommate if you were worried about them?”
Move beyond “yes or no” questions to allow your student a chance to open up.
- “How have you been sleeping? How have you been feeling?”
- “What’s been the most challenging part of the semester?”
- “How do you feel about managing your workload?”
- “When you are feeling stressed, what helps you feel better?”
Help your student think about ways to solve problems before jumping in to solve for them.
- “All feelings are okay.”
- “Challenges and disappointments are a part of life.”
Checking in when concerned
- Be direct: Name what you’ve noticed, and ask permission to check in further.
- Affirm and validate: Thank your student for sharing with you and let them know that you are there for them at any time.
- Offer support, not solutions: Saying something like, “Is there anything you need from us right now?” shows you’re there for them without taking over. Ask, “Is there anything you need from me to feel more supported?”
- Encourage professional help if needed: Mention campus mental health resources, or offer to help find a therapist if they’re open to it.
- Follow up after the conversation: A quick text or call in the weeks after a conversation with your student can reinforce your support.
- Balance respect for privacy: While you may have concerns and want to check in to get more information, it is important to balance your support with respect for your student’s privacy.
Resources
Mental Health Services
UHS Mental Health Services provides flexible, short-term mental health care in supportive and responsive ways to meet students’ individual needs. Like most of our services, mental health care is no-cost to students. UHS offers counseling as well as psychiatry, survivor support, and assessments for specialized concerns.
24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line
Students in distress can call 608-265-5600 (option 9) for 24/7 mental health crisis support. Concerned friends, parents, or family members can also call for consultation and support.
Suicide Prevention
UHS Suicide Prevention works to build the capacity of our campus community to support student mental health.
Recognize, Respond, Refer
Online training is available to help students better recognize signs that may indicate someone needs support, respond compassionately, and refer someone to resources for continued support.
Policies
- Mental health accommodations: The McBurney Disability Resource Center provides accommodations and academic services for UW–Madison students with disabilities, including students with diagnosed mental health conditions.
- Health privacy: To ensure compliance with health privacy laws, UHS does not disclose information to family members, or others, without a student’s consent or authorization. However, in an emergency, our professional staff will exercise professional judgment to determine if family members, usually parents, should be informed of the situation even if the student withholds consent
- Medical withdrawal: For some students, withdrawal is needed to manage health conditions, recover, and get back on track. Medical withdrawals may be granted to students who experience a serious or unexpected physical or mental health condition; who may need to provide care to an immediate family member who is experiencing a serious or unexpected health condition; or who have experienced the death of an immediate family member.
Getting involved
If your student cares about mental health, there are many ways to get involved on campus through volunteering, joining a student organization, and more.
