The Signs

It is common for students to feel distress at one time or another due to difficulties with adjustment, stress, anxiety, self-esteem, and relationship problems and may exhibit symptoms such as depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, and more. There are warning signs when symptoms of distress persist over time and may suggest that the problem may be a cause for concern.

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.

Knowing the severity of a student’s distress is important to providing the best response and support.

What You Can Do for a Student in Distress or Crisis

If you choose to approach a student you are concerned about or if a student seeks you out, here are some suggestions:

• Talk to the student in private when both of you have time and are not rushed or preoccupied.

• Be direct and specific. Express your concern in behavioral, nonjudgmental terms. For example, say, “You look stressed. I’m concerned about you. Can you tell me what is going on?”

• Listen sensitively.

• Be aware of resources and make a referral to an appropriate department, or to the designated person in your school, such as the Dean or Associate Dean.

• Follow up. Check with the student later to find out how he or she is doing. Provide support as appropriate.