Upload
benjamin-baldwin
View
215
Download
0
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
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
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More withdrawn or animated than usual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?
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
SOAR
peak directly and empathetically
sk open-ended questions
eview risks and resources
bserve and discuss
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