Enhancing the Network of Peer Support on College Campuses

Abstract

Surveys of college student mental health detail large numbers of students with significant mental health concerns and highlight the fact that students in distress turn most often to their friends for help. These student helpers often feel unequipped and overwhelmed by their friends’ requests for help and don't know where to turn. This article describes a program which seeks to identify, train, and support students within their natural helping roles. The Student Support Network (SSN) program identifies student helpers and offers them a 6-week training to improve their ability to recognize and respond to their peers’ distress.

Keywords:

• campus suicide prevention
• gatekeeper training
• peer support
• student support network