Campus Dining Today - NACUFS 2023 - 49

the signs indicating that a student might be facing
mental health concerns, such as changes in behavior,
academic struggles, social withdrawal, emotional
instability, physical symptoms, and substance abuse.
Barsky introduced a practical Mental Health Action
Plan, adapted from the Mental Health First Aid
Course, which consists of five steps.
02
03
04
National
Resources
Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (SAMSHA)
This agency within the U.S. Department of Health
& Human Services provides education and support
for individuals and families facing substance use
and mental health challenges. Call 1-800-662-HeLP
(4357) for free, confidential 24/7 treatment referral
and information services (in english and Spanish).
National Alliance on Mental Illness
(NAMI)
The nation's largest grassroots mental health
organization, this nonprofit provides education
and support to individuals and families affected
by mental illness. Chapters operate in every state.
NAMI's HelpLine is available Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-
10 p.m., eT by calling 1-800-950-6264 or texting
" Helpline " to 62640. In a crisis, call or text 988.
05
01
The first step involves assessing the
situation for immediate risk,
giving priority to any imminent threats to
safety. Barsky shared prompts to initiate
conversations about mental well-being
and risk assessment. He also stressed the
importance of being familiar with the mental
health resources available, both within the
organization and in the broader community,
in case additional help is needed.
The second step emphasizes the need
to listen nonjudgmentally. Barsky
highlighted the significance of creating a safe
and supportive environment for individuals to
express their thoughts and emotions. Active
listening, empathy, validation, and respect
for confidentiality were underscored as key
components of this step.
The third step involves offering
reassurance, accurate information,
and relevant resources to alleviate
distress. Barsky encouraged acknowledging
the person's feelings, providing reliable
information, normalizing the act of seeking
support, and emphasizing that help is
accessible.
In step four, Barsky discussed the importance
of encouraging appropriate
professional help when necessary. This
includes suggesting the individual reach out
to mental health professionals, counselors,
helplines, or support services. He emphasized
tailoring recommendations to the person's
specific needs and following up to ensure
they connect to the needed resources.
Finally, step five focuses on encouraging
self-help and other support
strategies. Barsky recommended
promoting self-care activities and seeking
support from trusted individuals or support
groups, while respecting the individual's
autonomy and boundaries. Professional help
should be pursued if safety is a concern.
Barsky concluded the presentation by highlighting diverse
resources available to effectively support students,
including workshops, online training programs, mental
health toolkits, collaboration with counseling centers, and
peer support networks.
SUPer SeSSIONS
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