Student Wellness
Tips for Staff


We know you care about your students like we do, so we hope to work with you closely to support them.

Recognising Signs of Distress from a Student

The following are common early signs of distress in students:

  • Behavioural or emotional changes
  • Inability to focus or concentrate
  • Social withdrawal
  • Change in hygiene or appearance
  • Alcohol or drug abuse
  • Decline in academic performance
  • Excessive or inappropriate anger
  • Bizarre thoughts or behaviours
  • Multiple absences or frequently punctuality issue

Often, our first impression to the student’s behaviours are also signals that the student may need more specialised assistance. You may feel:

  • Alarmed or frightened
  • Uncomfortable about student’s comments or behaviours
  • Concerned about student’s ability to function

Talking to a Student

You would be an important support for students to seek assistance from on-campus and community resources.

DO:
  • Speak with the student privately
  • Remain calm
  • Describe the signs that concern you
  • Show concern without judgement
  • Discuss alternatives to make up class performances if available and needed
  • Check to see if academic advising is needed
  • Advise student to contact (call, email, or go directly to the office) us for service screening
  • Encourage the student to call for an appointment from your office if needed
  • Consult us
  • Check in with the student again later on
DO NOT:
  • Rush through the conversation
  • Tolerate rudeness
  • Assume the role of therapist/counsellor (unless trained)
  • Dominate the conversation
  • Remain in a situation that feels unsafe
  • Critique the student
  • Ignore a feeling that something is not right
  • Assume someone else has intervened with the student