Thapar Institute Counselling Cell

I’m Concerned About A Friend or a Fellow Student

Looking out for one another is an important part of the Thapar community. If you notice that a friend, classmate, or roommate seems different than usual or is going through a difficult time, your support can make a meaningful difference. While you are not expected to solve their problems, recognizing the signs and encouraging them to seek help can be an important first step.

Notice the Signs

Everyone responds to stress and emotional challenges differently. You may become concerned if someone shows noticeable changes in their usual behaviour or daily routine, such as:

• Sleep: Sleeping too much or too little, difficulty falling asleep, or feeling constantly tired.
• Eating Habits: Significant changes in appetite or eating patterns.
• Social Withdrawal: Avoiding friends, family, classes, or activities they once enjoyed.
• Academic Performance: Difficulty concentrating, missing deadlines, declining grades, or reduced class attendance.
• Mood: Persistent sadness, anxiety, irritability, hopelessness, or frequent mood swings.
• Energy Levels: Unusual fatigue, loss of motivation, or excessive restlessness.
• Behavioural Changes: Acting out of character, increased substance use, neglecting responsibilities, or engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviour.

These signs do not always indicate a mental health concern, but they may suggest that someone could benefit from support.

How You Can Help

If you believe someone may be struggling:

• Find a private and comfortable place to talk.
• Share your observations with care and without judgement. For example: “I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately, and I’m concerned about you.”
• Listen patiently and allow them to speak at their own pace.
• Avoid trying to solve every problem or offering quick solutions. Sometimes simply listening is the most valuable support.
• Encourage them to look after themselves by maintaining healthy routines, staying connected with others, and seeking professional help if needed.
• Suggest reaching out to the Thapar Institute Counseling Cell (TICC) and, if they feel hesitant, offer to help them schedule an appointment or accompany them to the Counseling Cell.
• Check in with them after a few days to let them know you care.

When It May Be an Emergency

Take immediate action if someone is:

• Talking about suicide or self-harm.
• Threatening to harm others.
• Experiencing extreme panic, confusion, or emotional distress.
• Behaving in a way that puts themselves or others at immediate risk.

If you believe there is an immediate risk of harm, do not leave the person alone. Contact campus authorities, local emergency services, or a trusted family member or guardian immediately, and inform TICC as soon as possible so appropriate support can be coordinated.