Supporting Students in Distress

Maureen A. Windle, Psy.D.Associate Director/Clinical DirectorCounseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Alaina Silverman, M.A.Pre-doctoral Intern, CAPS

Brian Doane, M.A.Pre-doctoral Intern, CAPS

Introduction

Overview

Indicators of Distress

Vignette & Group Discussion

Ways to Intervene

University Resources

Student Distress:Academic/Employment Indicators

Repeated absences from class/employment Missed assignments, meetings, apts. Deterioration in quality or quantity of work Extreme disorganization or erratic

performance Written or artistic expression of unusual

violence, morbidity, isolation, despair Continual seeking of special provisions Overblown or disproportionate response to

evaluations or requests for improvement

Student Distress:Behavioral and Emotional Indicators

Direct statements indicating distress, family problems or loss

Angry or hostile outbursts, yelling or aggressive comments

More withdrawn or animated than usual

Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness; crying or tearfulness

Expressions of severe anxiety or irritability

Shakiness, tremors, fidgeting or pacing

Lack of response to outreach from staff

Excessively demanding or dependent behavior

Isolating self in residence hall room or apartment

References to a plan to “end all of their problems”

Student Distress: Physical Indicators

Deterioration in physical appearance or personal hygiene

Excessive fatigue, exhaustion; falling asleep during the day

Visible changes in weight; statements about change in appetite or sleep

Noticeable cuts, burns or bruises Unusual inability to make eye contact Frequent or chronic illness Disorganized speech, rapid or slurred

speech Frequently bleary-eyed or smelling of

alcohol

Vignette It’s 4 PM on Friday. A student who you have chatted

with several times in the past walks into the room and looks concerned. He is not making good eye contact, his clothes look disheveled, and he has dark circles under his eyes. This seems different than usual, as he is usually optimistic and full of energy. He tells you that he has not gone to class for the last 3 days and has had a hard time sleeping. He goes on to explain that his boyfriend recently broke up with him. On the verge of tears, he says that he doesn’t know how he can go on. He tells you that you are the first person he has told and that he doesn’t know what to do.

Group Discussion How do you feel?

Physically?What’s going through your body right now?

Emotionally?What emotions are your feeling?

Cognitively?What types of thoughts are you having?

Being aware of your own reactions is important.

Let’s Chat What are some of the warning signs that

the student is in distress? What else would you want to know

about the student? What are some protective factors you

notice within the student? How does your role influence what your

responsibilities are?

What would you do?

Responding to Students in Distress If you are engaged with the student

Speak directly Begin with specific behaviors

If you are observing the student Notice specific behaviors or concerns Consider writing down what you observe in detail

Use judgment on the urgency of the concern Immediate safety vs seeking consultation

*Air on the side of safety* Talk to supervisor Walk them to CAPS Contact the Dean of Students office 919-966-4042 DPS 919-962-2211 or 911

Speaking Directly with the Student Meet privately Set a positive tone Express your concern and care. Point out specific things you’ve observed Ask “How are things going for you?” Ask open-ended questions; no judgment If there are signs of safety risk, ask directly Suggest resources, walk them to CAPS

Help Students SOAR at UNC

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Counseling and Psychological Services Located on the 3rd floor of Campus

Health Services building Walk-in to initiate services Walk-in hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-

noon and 1:00pm-4:00pm If you accompany a student to CAPS,

please ask to speak with available triage therapist, or Avery Cook or Maureen Windle to provide additional information

Counseling and Psychological Services Confidentiality All CAPS services are confidential There are a few legally mandated

exceptions to confidentiality including: Danger of harm to self or others Disclosure of abuse to children, people with

disabilities, or elderly adults If information was subpoenaed by a court

University Resources

Counseling and Psychological Services 919-966-3658

Office of the Dean of Students

919-966-4042

Campus Health Services

919-966-2281

DPS 911 or 962-8100