Recognizing Students in Distress

Emotional Problems
Anxiety & Depression

Unusual Acting Out
Disruptive; Overly Antagonistic; Acting in a bizarre or peculiar manner; Alcohol or drug abuse

Suicidal Ideation
Verbal Messages “I wish I weren’t here”, “I’m going to kill myself”

Non verbal Messages
Giving away valuable possessions; Putting legal, financial and University affairs in order; A preoccupation with death, withdrawal or boredom; History of depression; Poor grooming habits.

Other signs of distress
Drop in class attendance

What Can You Do? 

• Talk to the student in private.  Give the student your undivided attention. A few minutes of listening on your part may help the student feel cared about as an individual and more confident about what to do. If you have initiated the contact, express your concern in behavioral, nonjudgmental terms.
  For example, "I've noticed you've been absent from class lately and I'm concerned," rather than "Where have you been lately? You should be more concerned about your grades."
  

• Follow-up: Arrange a time to meet again to solidify the student's resolve to obtain appropriate help and to demonstrate your commitment to assist in this process. Check later to see that the referral appointment was kept and to hear how it went. Provide support while the student takes further appropriate action or pursues another referral if needed.

• Consult: When in doubt about the advisability of an intervention, call REACH at 513-556-2506, Student Psychiatric Services at 513-556-0648 or Student Health Services at 513-556-2564. After hours and on weekends, University Hospital Psychiatric Emergency Services can provide consultation regarding mental health emergencies at 513-584-8577 Also, the student can call theCrisis Hotline, Talbert House 513-281-2273 (voice and tdd) or the Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE.