Recognizing signs of distress academic indicators

RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF DISTRESS

• ACADEMIC INDICATORS:

• Repeated Absences

• Miss work, exams, or late papers

• Decline in enthusiasm or work quality

• Academic Integrity Violation

• Unorganized, continual special provisions

• Threatening Instructors or lengthy emails

RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF DISTRESS

• PHYSICAL SIGNS:

• Sleeping in Class

• Dramatic Change in Energy Level

• Drop in hygiene or personal appearance

• Significant Change in Weight

• Frequent Intoxication

• Noticeable cuts, bruises or burns

RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF DISTRESS

• EMOTIONAL IMPLICATIONS:

• Inappropriate Outbursts or Irritable

• Exaggerated Personality Traits

• Expressions of fear or hopelessness

• Themes of suicide, death, worthlessness

• Direct Statements of Distress

• Worried about a Friend/Family

RESPONDING

• EMERGENCIES:

• Suicidal Gestures, Intentions or Attempts

• Physical Aggression or Threats

• Unresponsive or Incoherent

• Disconnection from Reality

• Unmitigated Disruptive Behavior

• Any Dangerous or threatening situation

RESPONDING TO NON-EMERGENCIES

• IF YOU KNOW THE STUDENT:

• Remain Calm

• Tell specific reason for your concern

• Ask open-ended questions. Never Why!

• Listen, Be Patient, Silence Is Golden

• Restate exactly what you heard

• Ask what would be helpful

• Suggest available and free resources

If You Don’t Know the Student:

• Contact a source closer to the student

• Consult with an Appropriate Professional

• THINGS TO AVOID: DON’T

• Ignore the student; Downplay the situation; Argue; Expect the student to stop the behavior without intervention; Stay in an unsafe place; Ignore your gut feeling; Assume the family knows.

REFERRING STUDENTS FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP

• When to Refer:

• Unsuccessful repeated attempts to help

• Increase in Isolation, depression, Anxiety

• Drop in Academic & Social Performance

• Increase in Hopeless & Helpless Behavior

• You spend more time doing counseling than advising

HOW TO MAKE A Referral

• Inform the Student that Counseling Helps

• Know About Counseling Services x6449

• Stress Services are Confidential & Free

• Help Student Set Up Initial Appointment

• Complete The Counseling Referral Form

• Send Form By Campus Mail or Fax x7752

• See Form For More Details or Call x6449

CONFIDENTIALITY

• We are required by law & professional ethics to protect the confidentiality of all communications between counselors & clients (except harm to self or others). Unless the client gives written permission, the counselor can’t discuss - if the client is in counseling or any other details.