Your care, concern, and assistance will often be enough to help the student. You can play a critical role in referring a student for appropriate assistance. View the attached pdf for guidance: Helping a Distressed Student – Decision Tree
Observe
The first important step in assisting distressed students is to be familiar with the signs of distress and notice their occurrence. An attentive observer will pay close attention to direct communications as well as implied or hidden feelings.
Initiate Contact
Speak with the student privately if you recognize unusual or strange behavior in a direct and matter-of-fact manner, indicating concern. Be specific with the student about the behavior or observations that have caused you concern.
Listen Objectively
Listen by allowing the student enough time to express thoughts and feelings. Some things to listen for include a student’s view of themselves, a view of their current situation or environment, and their view of the future.
Offer Support and Assistance
Avoid criticism or judgmental comments. Summarize what the student has told you as a way to clarify the situation. Suggest resources that the student can access: friends, family, clergy, or professionals on campus.
Know Your Limits
As a help-giver, only go as far as your expertise, training, and resources allow. If you are uncertain about your ability to help a student, it is best to be honest about it. Below are some signs to look for in your feelings that may suggest the assistance of a professional is warranted.
- You feel pressure to solve their problems
- You feel you are over-extending yourself in helping the student
- You feel stressed-out by the student’s issue(s) or behavior
- You see a behavioral pattern repeating itself in your interaction with the student
- You feel that the problems a student brings to you are more than you can handle
- You feel anxious when the student approaches you