Here's How You Can Become a #WSUWeSupportU Faculty/Staff Mental Health Advocate

Two individuals, one who is tall with close buzzed hair and the other who is short with long curly hair laughing. Both are wearing Suspenders4Hope shirts.

Students face many challenges throughout their college careers, from learning how to be adults to balancing school, work and life, all stressors compounded by the pandemic. You can help be a positive influence on students mental health by following these tips:

  • Incorporate the #WeSupportU Mental Wellness in the Classroom Cards curriculum into your class: request your free set at wichita.edu/WellnessCardsRequest
  • Complete the #WeSupportU Preventing Suicide Training for free online with a valid WSU e-mail address, and encourage your class to take it by offering class time or extra credit
  • Wear your Suspenders4Hope shirt. Need a shirt? Get yours at the ShockerStore or at Suspenders4Hope.com
  • Model vulnerability by talking about mental health openly and directly to let students know it’s ok to not be ok
  • Share your mental wellness stories and Suspenders4Hope selfies on social media using #WSUWeSupportU and tagging @Suspenders4Hope
  • Encourage students to follow, like and share @ShockersCAPS and @Suspenders4Hope on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for free tips to help manage their mental health, along with other campus organizations like Student Affairs and Care Team
  • Check in with your students and encourage them to check in with one another - if a student is in distress, refer them to CAPS or submit a concern to CARE Team

Assistance is also available to faculty and staff who may be struggling at this time through Human Resources.