College students face challenges and stressors that can affect their mental health and wellbeing, and their academic success. While traditional support services for students are important, they are only one piece of the wellbeing puzzle. 

When faced with difficult life situations, we all lean on friends. So, how can you best support your friends, peers, and those around you during challenging times?

Model emotional vulnerability

Emotional vulnerability involves acknowledging uncomfortable feelings instead of avoiding or denying them. 

What would it be like to respond to “how are you?” with your true feelings instead of attempting to fit them into the mold of how you think you should feel? This doesn’t mean having to share your deepest feelings indiscriminately, but opening to trusted allies can lead to closer relationships and more open communication. 

In addition, by naming distressing feelings and acknowledging difficult emotions, you give others around you permission to do the same. These conversations can lead to deeper connections with others and create opportunities to offer and receive support. 

Have intentional conversations

How do we create a safe space for dialogue that goes beyond the standard “how are you?”. It starts with intentionality. 

If you suspect a friend is struggling, make time to connect. Perhaps set a date for coffee or lunch so that you can give the conversation the space it requires. 

It is also important to ensure you have done your own self-care beforehand, so you are in a good place to listen and respond if a friend says “actually, I am really struggling.” This is where vulnerability can make a significant impact; by sharing your story of struggle, it normalizes the struggle of others. 

Kognito, a self-guided online training program, is available to students, faculty, and staff. It builds awareness, knowledge and skills about mental health and sucide prevention.

Peer support programs 

Peer support is an evidence-based practice that partners a trained individual with lived experience and recovery from mental health and/or substance abuse disorders with others who are experiencing similar challenges. 

Peer support programs have existed in the behavioral health system for some time but have been rapidly growing—and for good reason. The research on peer support programming shows they decrease hospitalization, increase utilization of outpatient resources, and show marked improvement in quality-of-life outcomes. 

The peer support worker provides strengths-based support and are regarded as expert by way of experience. Activities, settings, and focus of peer support differs from program to program, but the foundational goal is to inspire hope that recovery is possible. 

Peer Support at Iowa

The University of Iowa is bringing peer support to students by way of partnering with the online platform Togetherall. 

Togetherall is an online community where students can share their thoughts and feelings anonymously and safely with peers around the U.S and abroad. It provides a supportive peer environment with around-the-clock supervision by licensed mental health professionals. 

There is no cost, and all undergraduate, graduate, professional and post-doctoral students are eligible. Find more information on the Well-Being at Iowa website.

As a student, you are the experts on the college experience. By fostering a culture of student-to-student support, the university can harness that expertise to cultivate a culture of wellness. This collaborative spirit prepares students for future professional environments, increases resilience, and empowers students to find solutions within themselves and their community.

Visit the CLAS website for more information on mental health and wellness resources.