How to Assist Students in Distress:
A Guide for Faculty and Staff

Introduction

Many students attending the University experience emotional and psychological difficulties that may go unnoticed or ignored. Frequently, students perceive faculty and stuff as their primary source of advice and support. This guidance is tendered to assist faculty and staff in dealing with students in distress. Please take a few minutes to acquaint yourself with this important guide.

Students encounter stress for a variety of reasons during the time they attend the University. Academics, family problems, social situations, work, and financial problems are just some of the sources of stress. While most students cope successfully with demands of college life, for some the pressures become overwhelming and unmanageable.

The inability to cope effectively with emotional stress poses a serious threat to a student’s overall functioning. The expression of interest and concern by a faculty or staff member may be a critical factor in helping a struggling student re-establishes the emotional equilibrium necessary for success at Prairie View A&M University.

Your willingness to respond to students in distress will undoubtedly be influenced by your personal style and your particular beliefs about the limits of responsibility for helping students mature, both emotionally and intellectually. Some students may be more open to assistance than others. In addition, factors such as class size or the depth of your relationship with the student may also have a substantial effect on the type of interactions you have. It’s important to be realistic about what you can offer when making a decision about how you can help a student.

How You Can Help Students in Distress

We hope this information will not only assist you in assessing the severity of a student’s personal problems, but will also give you some specific ideas about what to do when dealing with a student who appears to be distressed.

There is a difference between students who are in serious mental health crisis and those who are suffering from lower levels of stress. Understanding the difference will help you respond appropriately to the situation.

Students in a Serious Mental Health Crisis

A crisis is a situation in which an individual’s usual style of coping is no longer effective, and the emotional or physiological response begins to escalate. As emotions intensify, coping becomes less effective, until the person may become disoriented, non-functional, or attempt harm. If a student is in a serious mental health crisis, you might see or hear the following:

• Suicidal statements or suicide attempts
• Homicidal threats, written or verbal, or attempted homicide or assault
• Destruction of property or other criminal acts
• Extreme anxiety resulting in panic reactions
• Inability to communicate ( e.g. , garbled or slurred speech, disjointed thoughts)
• Loss of contact with reality ( e.g., seeing or hearing things that aren’t there, expressing beliefs or actions at odds with reality)
• Highly disruptive behavior ( e.g., hostility, aggression, violence)

What To Do When You Suspect a Serious Crisis

If you believe there may be imminent danger of harm to a student or someone else, as evidenced by several of these crisis symptoms, immediately call the Campus Security (DPS) 936-261-1375 or the local law enforcement agency (911) *off main campus*

Students in Stress

At one time or another, everyone feels depressed or upset. However, there are warning signs for stress, which, when present over time, suggest that the problems a student is dealing with may be a cause for concern. In these circumstances, you might see or hear the following:

• Uncharacteristic changes in academic performance
• Uncharacteristic changes in attendance at class or meetings
• Depressed or lethargic mood
• Hyperactivity and/or rapid speech
• Social withdrawal
• Marked change in personnel dress, hygiene, eating and/or sleeping routines
• Repeatedly falling asleep in class
• Request for special consideration, especially if the student is uncomfortable talking about circumstances prompting the request.
• New or recurrent behavior that pushes the limits of decorum and that interferes with the effective management of your class, work team, etc.
• Unusual or exaggerated emotional response to events

What You Can Do for a Student in Stress

If you choose to approach a student with whom you are concerned or if a student seeks your assistance, here are some suggestions which might be helpful:

• Talk to the Student in private when both of you have time and are not rushed or preoccupied. Give the student your undivided attention. It is possible that just a few minutes of effective listening on your part may be enough to help the student feel comfortable about what to do next.
• Be direct and non-judgmental. Express your concern in behavioral, nonjudgmental terms. Be direct and specific. For example, say something like “I’ve noticed you’ve been absent for class lately, and I’m concerned,” rather than “Why have you missed so much class lately?”
• Refer. Point out that help is available and seeking help is a sign of strength. Make some suggestions about places to go for help. (See the Referral Section for ideas.)
• Follow up. Following up is an important part of the process. Check with the student later to find out how he or she is doing. Provide support as appropriate.