Students may become distressed for many reasons. You may have the opportunity to encourage distressed students to seek help at one of the counseling services on campus. Even if a student does not directly ask for help, it is important to pay attention to indicators of possible distress.

Emotional Indicators: sadness, dysphoria; anxiety, tension; little or no emotionality; unexpected emotional outburst (crying); extreme mood swings; unusual agitation; little or no motivation.

Social Indicators: lack of close friendships (almost always alone); intrudes on others’ conversations; little or no communication during class discussions; avoids people (isolation).

Behavioral Indicators: appears tired and listless; sleeps during class; unhealthy appearance; lack of interaction in class; lack of concentration; misses classes or disturbs the class; hyperactivity.

Academic Indicators: change in writing style (rambling, incoherent);
drop in quality of papers, tests, projects; turning in assignments late or not at all; unusual content in writing (death, violence, suicide); drop in grades

Students in distress may contact instructors for assistance concerning problems they may have understanding assignments, comprehending readings, or remembering test material. It is easier for some students to come in talking about a safe issue rather than being forward and asking for help. A one-on-one meeting with the student can help you assess their need for a referral for counseling. Important nonverbal signs of distress include:

• Physical appearance (poor grooming, unkempt)
• Language (agitation, slow or hesitant speech, little or no emotions expressed)
• Body posture (eg. tense, rigid or slumped over)

A student may have experienced a recent traumatic or stressful event which may precipitate feelings of distress. For example:

• Death of friend or family member
• Disappointment in academic performance
• Break up of a relationship
• Illness or injury
• Family crisis (e.g., divorce, relocation, illness)
• Failure to achieve an important goal

If you think there may be a need for a referral, be straight-forward with the student about your observations. Express your concerns and let them know they may speak to a counselor in confidence about any problems they may have. If the need seems urgent, you or the student may call from your office to request an emergency appointment. See the following for additional information about referrals:

• When to Refer a Student to a Counselor

• How to Refer a Student to a Counselor
  

Sources of professional help on campus:

The Center for Educational Resources and Counseling, 504-865-5113

Student Health Services, Psychiatry Department, 504-865-5255 ext. 3.