Recognizing Students in Distress

From time to time in college life, the amount of stress (academic or otherwise) upon a student becomes greater than his or her available coping resources. Maladaptive responses can be the result and are known to occur regularly in any college student population. You may play a unique role in assisting students through this often stressful time if you detect changes in student behavior that may signal a more serious problem.

Consultation services are available through CAPS (or through the resources listed below) for students whom you may encourage to seek assistance.

Be alert to signs of difficulty.

Academic Indicators May Include:

• Deterioration in classroom performance, or quality/quantity of work
• Missed assignments
• Repeated absences from class
• Disorganized or erratic performance
• Frequently falling asleep in class
• Coming to class bleary-eyed, hung over, or smelling of alcohol
• Continual seeking of special provisions (late papers, extensions, postponed examinations)
• Essays or creative work which indicate extremes of hopelessness, social isolation, rage, fear or despair

General Behavioral Indicators May Include:

• Direct statements indicating distress, family problems, or other difficulties
• Unprovoked anger or hostility
• Exaggerated personality traits; more withdrawn or more animated than usual
• Excessive dependency
• Tearfulness
• Expressions of hopelessness, fear, or worthlessness
• Dramatic mood swings
• Flat affect (no display of emotion at all)
• Deterioration in physical appearance
• Lack of personal hygiene
• Impaired speech; disjointed thoughts
• Social withdrawal
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Excessive fatigue
• Significant changes in weight
• Marked restlessness, tension, or agitation
• Expressions of concern about a student in the class by his/her peers
• A hunch or gut-level reaction that something is wrong

Safety Risk Indicators:

• Any statement (written or oral) which has a sense of finality or a suicidal tone to it
• Essays or papers which focus on despair, rage, suicide, or death
• Statements indicating threats or harmful intentions toward others
• Giving away prized possessions
• Self-injurious or self-destructive behaviors
• Any other behavior which seems out of control

Take these signs seriously.

Don’t disregard what you’ve observed.

Meet privately with the student.

Allow sufficient time for the meeting and remember that talking about a problem or crisis does NOT make it worse. This is the first step toward resolving any difficulty.

Point out specifically the signs you’ve observed.

For example, you could say you are concerned and ask what’s wrong. “I wanted to talk to you because I notice you’ve been late recently, you no longer participate, and you seem troubled. I’m concerned about you. Is there anything I can help you with?”

Listen to the student’s response.

Be open-minded about what you hear. You need not come to any conclusions about the student’s problems.

Refer.

Talk with the student about utilizing the services offered by CAPS. (You may need to address the student’s fears about counseling.)

• “Going to CAPS doesn’t mean you’re crazy or weak. It’s healthy to recognize and get help for a problem. It’s part of effective, mature problem-solving.”
• "About 30% of all UR undergraduates use CAPS services at some time."
• "All sessions are confidential and free of charge."
• “If you like, we can call the office now and set up an appointment.”

Respect the student’s decision about counseling.

If the student doesn’t go now, he or she may reconsider later.

Recognize an emergency situation.

An emergency means that the student’s basic safety is jeopardized. Examples are severe eating disorders, severe substance abuse, suicidal urges, a serious threat from another person (such as a dating partner), or marked impairment in ability to care for self.

If you have immediate concerns about a student’s safety, stay with the student and call CAPS, one of the Dean’s offices (Westhampton College or Richmond College), and/or Campus Police immediately. If a student is suicidal, you MUST contact one of these campus offices.

By “suicidal”, we mean a student (1) has stated an intention to die or cause harm to him/herself, (2) has reported that he/she made a suicide attempt or self-inflicted injury within the recent past, or (3) has left you with an uneasy feeling with respect to his or her safety.

If in doubt, consult with a CAPS staff member.

Respect confidentiality.

Do not discuss the student’s name or problem in public areas. When talking with the student, avoid making sweeping promises of confidentiality. Students who are suicidal need swift professional intervention and pledges of absolute confidentiality may not be honored.

University Resources

Consider calling any of these offices for a consultation.

• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
  Richmond Hall 201 (804) 289-8119
• Health Center (Student)
  Special Programs Building (804) 289-8064
• University Police
  Special Programs Building
  Emergency Number (804) 289-8715 (non emergency)
  (804) 289-8911 (emergency)
• Richmond College Dean
  Whitehurst (804) 289-8061
• Westhampton College Dean
  Deanery (804) 289-8468
• Chaplains Office
  Wilton Center 200 (804) 289-8500

Off-campus referrals are available through consultation with a CAPS staff member.