Mental Health Resources: What VASCOs Need to Know

Recognizing Warning Signs

Academic and Behavioral Changes

Gradual Changes (May Indicate Developing Issues)

• Declining grades over multiple weeks
• Increasing absences or late arrivals
• Withdrawing from social activities
• Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks
• Changes in appearance or hygiene
• Expressing hopelessness or despair

Acute Changes (Require Immediate Action)

• Sudden dramatic performance drop
• Complete disengagement or isolation
• Expressions of wanting to hurt self/others
• Giving away possessions
• Saying goodbye to people
• Extreme mood swings or outbursts

Veteran-Specific Indicators

PTSD Symptoms

Hypervigilance (sitting with back to wall), startle responses to loud noises, avoidance of crowds, difficulty with group work, mentions of nightmares or flashbacks.

Transition Struggles

Missing military structure, loss of identity, difficulty relating to traditional students, feeling “older” or out of place.

Substance Use Changes

Mentions of increased drinking, using substances to sleep or cope with stress.

Your Role: Boundaries and Best Practices

The Three Rs: Recognize, Refer, Support

1. Recognize: Notice changes in behavior, performance, or wellbeing. Trust your instincts.
2. Refer: Connect student with appropriate mental health resources. Don't try to “fix” it yourself.
3. Support: Continue academic/benefit support. Follow up. Show you care about their success.

Referral Resources and Protocols

Campus Resources

Campus Counseling Center

Primary referral for most mental health concerns. Know their:

• Phone number and walk-in hours
• Typical wait time for appointments
• Services they provide vs. don't provide
• How to refer students (formal process or informal?)
• Crisis intervention protocols

Campus Safety/Police

For immediate safety concerns. Know when to call campus police vs. counseling center vs. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Dean of Students/Care Team

For complex situations involving multiple concerns (academic + mental health + housing, etc.)

Veteran-Specific Resources

• VA Mental Health Services: Veterans can access VA mental health even if using GI Bill (benefits are separate). Crisis Line: 988, then press 1.
• Vet Centers: Community-based counseling for combat veterans and those with military sexual trauma. Free, confidential.
• Student Veterans of America: Peer support through campus chapter. Sometimes easier first step than formal counseling.
• Military OneSource: Free counseling for recently separated veterans. 12 free sessions per issue.

Crisis Protocols

Your Action Steps

1. Stay with the student or ensure someone stays with them
2. Call crisis line (988, campus police, or counseling emergency line)
3. Remove means if safely possible (medications, weapons)
4. Stay calm and don't leave them alone until help arrives
5. Document what happened and follow up with campus protocols

Self-Care for VASCOs

Managing Vicarious Trauma

Hearing difficult stories repeatedly takes a toll. Protect your own mental health:

• Set boundaries on when/where you discuss student concerns
• Debrief with colleagues or supervisor after difficult situations
• Use your institution's Employee Assistance Program if needed
• Practice regular self-care (exercise, sleep, activities you enjoy)
• Recognize when you need professional support, you can't pour from empty cup

Key Takeaways

1. Your role is Recognize, Refer, Support, not diagnose or treat
2. Know your campus and veteran-specific mental health resources well
3. In crisis situations, always err on side of caution, call for help
4. Practice self-care to prevent vicarious trauma and burnout