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
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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
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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
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| 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
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