Helping Students in Distress

Students are likely to experience stressful events during their academic experience. As faculty & staff members who work with students, you may encounter students who need your assistance.  Your role can be a positive and crucial one in identifying students who are in distress and assisting them in connecting with appropriate resources.

Signs of Distress

Mild

• Decline in class attendance
• Decline in academic performance
• Unusual changes in interactions
• Very rapid speech
• Neglecting their appearance

Moderate

• Repeated requests for special consideration, especially if they appear uncomfortable or highly emotional.
• New or repeated behavior which pushes the limits of decorum, and which interferes with class.
• Unusual or exaggerated emotional responses that are obviously inappropriate to the situation.

Severe

• Highly disruptive behavior
• Sudden change in personality
• Begins or increases alcohol/drug use
• Signs of self-injury
• Stalking behaviors
• Inappropriate communications
• Inability to communicate clearly
• Loss of contact with reality
• Overtly suicidal comments
• Threats to harm others
• Aggression to others

Basic Guidelines for Talking with a Student in Distress

• Respect what is said.
• Focus on what is manageable.
• Avoid easy answers such as, "Everything will be alright."
• Help identify and recommend resources needed to improve the situation.
• Help the student recall effective strategies they have used in the past to manage distress.
• Reassure the student that asking for help shows strength.

Referring a Severely Distressed Student

• Express your observations & concerns.
• Explain the need to involve other campus professionals.
• During regular business hours, either call the Counseling Center or walk the student to the center to speak with a counselor. Please indicate to the front desk attendant or counselor that it is an emergency.
• If a counselor cannot be reached, or if it is after hours or on weekends, call Campus Police at 276.328.3756 or 911. Campus Police can contact a counselor to speak directly with the distressed student.

Resources

If you have questions, concerns or are uncertain about a student's well-being, please contact one of the resources listed. 

The Counseling Center
2nd floor Cantrell Hall
276-376-1005

Campus Police
1st floor Cantrell Hall
276-328-COPS (8am-5pm M-F)
276-328-3756 (after hours & weekends)

Title IX Coordinator
1st floor Cantrell Hall
276-376-3451