Hokie Wellness employee distress guide now available

From: Hokie Wellness

Hokie Wellness recently developed a guide for assisting and referring employees who may be in distress. This follows the creation of a student guide, created in collaboration with Undergraduate Academic Affairs and the Dean of Students.

The two-page guides include ways to recognize and assess students and employees who may be in some type of distress, as well as potential action steps and referrals. The second page lists resources specific to students and employees to quickly connect them with the appropriate level of support, including 24-hour crisis support.

A brief video explains both guides.

Stress is influenced not only by work responsibilities, but experience with mental illness, financial difficulties, relationships, violence, substance use, identity, and more.

When assisting someone in distress, always approach each interaction with authenticity and nonjudgment. We also encourage you to seek professional guidance when you are unsure how to best support an individual.

Hokie Wellness serves Virginia Tech to foster a healthier community by providing prevention services, education, outreach, and resources to employees and students. If you have questions or need support, contact Hokie Wellness at hokiewellness@vt.edu or call 540-231-2233 (for non-urgent student concerns) or 540-231-8878 (for employee concerns).

Callers to the employee phone line are presented with options, including speaking to a Hokie Wellness representative during business hours, access to the 24-hour Employee Assistance Program for benefited employees, and connection to additional 24-hour community support services.

Hokie Wellness encourages you to view and use the many other resources in the distress guides.