Mental Health Service
Faculty and Staff Resources
Faculty and staff are sometimes the first people to notice signs of distressed students. What follows is information about how to identify students in distress, how you can help, and when to make a referral to Mental Health Service.
Signs of Distress
- Significant changes in eating, sleeping, grooming
- Significant changes in academic performance and involvement in extracurricular or social activities
- Lack of concentration and focus
- Withdrawal (absences, tardiness)
- Disruptive behavior in class
- Tearfulness
- Irritability
- Expression of hopelessness or suicide
What you can do
- Schedule a mutually agreed time to meet up with student
- Meet with student in relaxed, private environment
- Communicate your concern with the student's demeanor in nonjudgmental manner (i.e., using words like "noticed" or "observed")
- Allow student to respond to your concerns
- Help student identify options and discuss possible consequences
Refer to Mental Health Service if
- The problem is more complex than you can comfortably handle
- You've helped as much as you can and further help is needed
- Emergencies
