How to Support a Friend’s Mental Health at College: Peer Support Tips and Campus Resources

How to Support a Friend's Mental Health at College: Peer Support Tips and Campus Resources

Everything you need to know about being there for your friends when they need it most, to exploring BU's on-campus resources

The college experience can be both exciting and stressful, involving classes, jobs, social activities, and self-care. During these challenging times, it's essential to take care of yourself and your friends. To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, here are five tips for supporting a friend who may be struggling.

Support them in their daily activities

Remember that checking in doesn't have to be formal or a grand gesture. Dealing with mental health can be an isolating experience for some, so accompanying them during their daily activities, whether it be running errands or going for a walk, can have a positive impact on a friend's day. Just being present can make a difference.

Talk with them in a safe space

If your friend is ready to talk, you want to ensure that they feel comfortable. Addressing mental health is a vulnerable topic, and sharing takes a lot of trust. Making sure it is the right time and place to have that conversation is important. Keep the conversation private, and don't share your friend's personal details with others. Always respect their privacy.

Be compassionate and a good listener

Let your friends speak about how they feel; don't try to force responses out of them. Listen without judgment and avoid trying to "fix" things; more often than not, just being a listening ear can be the most important thing. If you want to learn more, BU offers training via Terriers Connect that helps the community understand signs of distress and how to best support BU community members.

Seek help when needed

Supporting a friend also means knowing when to involve others who can provide the right care. Whether that's a trusted adult, a mental-health professional, or someone on campus like an RA, remember that your friend's mental health struggles do not have to be yours to carry alone. Encourage them to take advantage of the numerous on-campus resources available at Boston University (see below).

If you're looking to help a friend or need help yourself

BU offers a wide range of free resources available to students. You can contact Student Health Services Behavioral Medicine Center at 617-353-3569 to schedule a TeleHealth appointment or for any assistance. In addition, Student Health Services offers Peer Groups, Peer Listening, and Counseling covering topics such as Managing Anxiety and Mindful Meditation. There is also the internationally recognized Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders, which has individual and group therapy.

Examples of fall 2025 peer groups at BU include:

BU Roots

All new undergraduate Terriers are welcome! It can be exciting and challenging to adjust to life at a new school. This group is a safe space where students receive support and feedback from other students. Possible discussion topics include:

Building a Stronger You

This group is for students seeking to develop more effective ways to manage intense and painful feelings. It operates like a class, teaching skills and encouraging students to discuss how to apply them and share their experiences. Participants are motivated to practice these skills and apply them outside of group sessions..

Crafts & Connection

This group encourages students to express themselves creatively. Using different prompts, students are invited to engage in crafting as a way to de-stress and foster connections with themselves and others. No prior art or craft experience is necessary, as materials will be supplied.

First Generation Support Group

Situated in the Newbury Center, this group provides a safe and supportive environment for students who are first-generation in their families to pursue college or graduate studies. The focus is on fostering community and sharing resources. Topics may include:

Graduate Students Support Group:

Graduate students often find it challenging to find a space where they can openly share their feelings and concerns about graduate life. This support group offers a confidential environment for peer support and feedback. Topics covered may include:

Grief Group:

This group is designed for students who have lost a loved one. Members are encouraged to share their grief in a supportive environment openly. This provides an opportunity to receive support from peers who understand similar experiences, to process emotions collectively, and to foster hope for the future.

LGBTQ+ Support Group:

This support group offers a secure environment to share and discuss the experiences-both joys and challenges-of being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning. It is a private and welcoming space where members can connect and provide emotional support. Students might explore topics such as:

Groups begin the week of September 15th, 2025, and run weekly through December 12th, 2025, unless otherwise noted.

About BU's Counseling Services:

Feeling stressed or overwhelmed is normal. Whether it's academic pressure, mood swings, mental health issues, or social difficulties, Counseling Services is here to support you.

Our team of caring therapists offers:

About BU's Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders:

The Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CARD) is a globally recognized clinical and research institution dedicated to advancing understanding and treatment of anxiety, mood, sleep, and related issues.

At CARD, patients receive expert clinical care while ongoing research efforts aim to diversify and improve treatment options. People seeking care benefit from treatments grounded in the latest research and also have opportunities to participate in studies that enhance knowledge about the causes and management of anxiety and related conditions.

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