Many colleges and universities are experiencing an increase in the number of distressed or disruptive students on their campuses. Ohio University is no exception to this trend. As members of our University community, many of you regularly interact with our students both in and out of the classroom. Given this unique position, it is not surprising that you are often the first to notice when a student is distressed or begins to act in a disruptive or threatening manner. These instances leave you in the unique and sometimes difficult position of trying to identify an appropriate and helpful course of action.
College students encounter many stressors and often may seek help from trusted faculty and staff members. Faculty and staff who are seen as caring and trustworthy are in a unique position to offer support to students and to point them in the direction of the assistance they need.
Sources of Student Distress
Students may experience distress as a result of the various concerns they face. While most students successfully cope with the pressures of college life, others need assistance. Some common sources of student distress include:
Family Problems
Relationship Problems
Academic Difficulties
Diversity-related Adjustment or Identity Problems
Alcohol or Drug Problems
Depression
Financial Concerns
Balancing School and Work
Signs a Student May be in Distress
Because students often seek the support or advice of faculty/staff when they are feeling overwhelmed, it is helpful for you to be aware of the signs that a student is in distress. At times, a student may not openly disclose their concern or ask for help, but their behavior or attitude may be noticeably changed. Being cognizant of these distress signals can help you be more in control of situations that may present themselves and to facilitate the helping process for the student. Some common signs of psychological distress include:
Poor Academic Performance
Excessive Absences or Tardiness
Disruptive Behavior
Changed Pattern of Interacting with Others
Depressed or Lethargic Mood
Weight Loss or Gain
Feelings of Hopelessness or Helplessness
References to Suicide, Homicide, or Death
What to do when a student expresses suicidal ideation
If you perceive a student to be in imminent danger, call 911 or contact the Ohio University Police Department at (740) 593-1911.
The student who is contemplating suicide may send messages indicating their pain. These messages can range from "I wish I wasn't here", to a very direct "I'm going to kill myself." Non-verbal messages can include giving away valued possessions, and putting legal, financial, and university affairs in order. Each type of message about suicide should be taken seriously. If you are hearing thoughts of suicide from a student, keep in mind that professionals assess suicide potential, in part, by asking:
What is the plan for suicide and exactly how will it happen?
When and where do they intend to carry out the plan?
Have they ever attempted suicide before?
The more specific and lethal the plan, the more recent a previous attempt, and the greater the ability to carry out the plan, the higher the risk for a successful suicide. For people who are considering suicide, these questions will not furnish them with new ideas. Most people who are actively suicidal are more than willing to discuss their plan. Conversely, many people consider suicide from time to time in passing. The less specific and lethal the plan (e.g. "I guess I'd take a couple sleeping pills sometime"), the less likely a suicide attempt.
Again, if you perceive a student to be in imminent danger, contact the campus police. If the student does not appear to be in immediate danger, it would be helpful if you would facilitate the student's connection with Counseling and Psychological Services. For example, you may offer to have the student call Counseling and Psychological Services (740) 593-1616, 314 Hudson Health Center from your office to schedule an appointment.
Tips for Interacting with and Assisting the Distressed Student
There are no absolutely correct procedures for dealing with a distressed student. Each person has their own style of approaching and responding to others. Listed below are some suggestions for interacting with the distressed student.
Talk with the student in private if possible to minimize the student's possible embarrassment
Express your sincere concern about the student's welfare
Listen carefully without providing advice or rushing in to help fix the problem
Reinforce the person for confiding in you
Empathize and acknowledge their distress
Normalize by letting the student know that when we are confronted with stressful times, we may need to talk with someone who is seen as trustworthy and helpful
Be accepting and non-judgmental
Provide support to the student and consider referring the student to Counseling and Psychological Services
