HELPING STUDENTS
IN DISTRESS
A Faculty and Staff Guide
GOOD SAMATITAN COLLEGE OF
NURSING AND HEALTH SCIENCE
Helping Students in Distress
A Faculty and Staff Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COLLEGE STUDENTS AND STRESS
RESPONDING TO STUDENT EMERGENCIES
REFERRING A STUDENT TO THE COUNSELING OFFICE
RESPONDING TO THE STUDENT IN EMOTIONAL DISTRESS
The Student with
Anxiety
The Student who is
Depressed
The Student who may be
The Student who is
The Student with
Suicidal
Aggressive or Potentially Violent
Test Anxiety
RESPONDING TO STUDENTS WHO ARE MILITARY VETERANS
RESOURCES ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
College Students and Stress
College students often experience high levels of stress, conflict and
personal challenges that can derail them psychologically and affect their
physical and mental health, behavior, and academic performance.
Some students lose their ability to cope, contemplate dropping out of
college or even experience thoughts of harming themselves or others.
Although most students cope successfully with the daily stresses of
college life some can become very distressed and seek out your
assistance. You often get the first glimpse of a student in trouble.
Has this ever happened to you…

A student who is usually well-prepared for class begins to
miss class, fails to complete assignments, and becomes
inattentive to hygiene and personal appearance.

A student comes to your office and is angry and belligerent, and you
feel threatened.

A student reveals to you that he/she is having thoughts of suicide.

A student reveals that he/she was sexually assaulted, or is
being stalked, or is being targeted or ‘flamed’ in
cyberspace.

A student tells you about racist remarks made against another
student.

A student is suffering discrimination and/or hostile treatment
because of his/her sexual identity/gender diversity.

You overhear students exchange hostile words and threaten
one another with physical violence.
What Will YOU Do?
The way you respond to a student in distress is up to you.
 You might make a phone call to the College Counselor at 513862-2737 for advice or assistance or refer the student to their
Academic Advisor if appropriate
 Ask them if they are seeing a therapist outside the college and
can they schedule an appointment with that person after they
calm down?
 Do they need to go to the Emergency Room if in a serious
crisis? Is there a friend or relative that can come get them if they
shouldn’t drive?
 Maybe they just need to talk to someone they trust and that
person happens to be you. That’s fine as long as they don’t
expect more of you than is reasonable. You have to be the one
to set that boundary regarding what you can and cannot do.
THIS GUIDE WAS DEVELOPED TO HELP YOU
MAKE WISE DECISIONS TO HELP OUR STUDENTS
RESPONDING TO STUDENT EMERGENCIES
The Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science wants you
to respond to students in distress and will support your efforts to do
so.
Students in distress often display behavior that may pose a threat to self or
others. Such behavior may include:




Suicidal gestures, intentions, or attempts
Other behavior posing a threat to the student (e.g., drug abuse)
Threats or aggression directed toward others
Demonstrated inability to care for oneself
WHAT YOU CAN DO

Move the student to a quiet and secure place if possible.

Enlist the help of someone else so the student isn’t left
alone and you aren’t left alone with the
student.

Listen attentively and respond in a
straightforward and considerate way.

When contacting a campus resource,
have available as much information as
possible, including your name, the
student’s name and location, a
description of the circumstances and
the type of assistance needed, and an
accurate description of the student.
Alert the Dean of Student Services at
(513) 862-3573 and
Counseling Services at
(513) 862-2737 as soon as possible.
For consultation with the Campus
Counselor call (513) 862-2737.
Monday through Friday9:00 to 5:00
6th floor -Room #687.28
(Take college elevator to 6th FL prior to
the bridge that leads to the TriHealth
Medical Office Building.)
You are encouraged to walk any
student in distress to the counseling
office or if preferred the counselor
can come to you if available.
If the student requires immediate
medical attention or needs to be
evaluated, please take them to
the Emergency Room.
If the student is unmanageable (e.g.,
aggressive, hostile, refusing care), or if you feel
directly threatened by a student or feel others are at
risk, do not hesitate to call 911 from any phone in the hospital. It will immediately
connect to Security within the hospital. Cell phones will connect to the community.
REFERRING A STUDENT TO THE COUNSELING OFFICE
When to Refer
In many cases of student distress, faculty and staff can provide adequate help through
empathic listening, facilitating open discussion of problems, instilling hope, validating and
normalizing concerns, conveying acceptance, giving reassurance, and offering basic advice.
In some cases, however, students need professional help to overcome problems
and to resume effective functioning. The following signs indicate a student may need
counseling:

The student remains distressed following repeated attempts by you and others
to be helpful.

The student becomes increasingly isolated, unkempt, irritable, or
disconnected.

The student’s academic or social performance deteriorates.

The student’s behavior reflects increased hopelessness or helplessness.

You find yourself doing ongoing counseling rather than
consultation or advising and feeling yourself pulled in
directions that make you uncomfortable.

The student shows significant and marked changes in behavior and mood.
How to Refer

Speak to the student in a direct, concerned, and caring manner.

Because students may initially resist the idea of counseling, be
caring but firm in your judgment that counseling would be
helpful. Also, be clear about the reasons that you are
concerned. (“I am worried about your doing okay in school, and
I bring this up really because I care about how you are doing.”)

Be knowledgeable in advance about the services and procedures
of Counseling Services.

Suggest that the student call to make an appointment, and
provide the phone number to Counseling Services.

Remind the student that the College Counseling Services are free and
confidential.

If the student would prefer to see someone for counseling off campus that
can be arranged.

If you need help in deciding whether it is appropriate to make a
referral, call Counseling Services at (513) 862-2737.
CONFIDENTIALITY
All clinical contact with the Counseling Service
is privileged and confidential.
While the staff is responsive to the needs and concerns of the
Good Samaritan College community in regard to individual
students, no information regarding a student’s treatment will
be divulged to anyone including parents or GSC faculty or
staff without the student’s written consent.
However, by law, a clinician must report any knowledge of
suspected child, elder, or other dependent abuse, or of risk to
an individual’s (self or others) physical safety. In addition, a
clinician must disclose records if ordered by a court to do so.
In these very unlikely situations, the clinician will only reveal
information as specifically required.
RESPONDING TO THE STUDENT IN EMOTIONAL DISTRESS
The Student with Anxiety
Facts about Anxiety
What You Can Do
 Talk to the student in private.
 Remain calm and take the lead
in a soothing manner.
“I am interested to hear
what’s bothering you. Can you
tell me about it?”
Stress
 Focus on relevant information,
Agitation
Avoidance
Depression
Sleep or eating problems
Irrational fears
(of losing control, phobias, of
dying, of falling apart)
Excessive worry
speaking concretely and
concisely.
 Help the student develop an
action plan that addresses his
or her main concerns, breaking
larger problems into smaller
parts so they are less
overwhelming to the student.
 Refer the student for
Counseling
(ruminations and obsessions)
NEED ADVICE?
Contact Counseling Services
at 513-862-2737.
Office 687.28
Avoid …

Overwhelming the student with information or complicated solutions

Arguing with student’s irrational thoughts
“You have nothing really to worry about; your grades are good.”

Devaluing the information presented
“It’s not as bad as you think” or
“Don’t worry, you have everything going for you.”

Assuming the student will get over the anxiety
without treatment
The Student Who is Depressed
What YOU Can Do
√ Talk to the student in private.
√ Listen carefully and validate the student’s feelings
√
√
√
√
√
and experiences. (“It is very difficult, tiring, and
distressing to feel this sad so often.”)
Be supportive and express your concern about the
situation. (“That you are feeling this sad concerns
me greatly, and I am glad you told me about it.”)
Discuss clearly and concisely an action plan such as
having the student immediately call for a
counseling appointment. (“I know depression can’t
get better as long as it is a secret and is not actively
responded to. Counseling can really make a
difference here.”)
Refer the student to Counseling and to ULifeline,
The online resource for College Mental Health
http://www.ulifeline.org/gscollege.
Be willing to consider or offer flexible arrangements
(e.g., extension on a paper or exam), if
appropriate, as a way to alleviate stress and instill
hope.
Ask the student if he/she has thoughts of suicide.
(See section about suicide.) If so, do not leave the
student alone. If possible, walk the student to
Counseling Services. If it is after hours go directly to
the Emergency Room.
Symptoms of Depression
Feelings of emptiness,
hopelessness, helplessness, and
worthlessness
A deep sense of sadness
An inability to experience
pleasure
irregular eating and sleeping
Difficulties with concentration,
memory, and decision-making
Fatigue and social withdrawal
Avoid…
 Downplaying the situation. “But you normally seem
so happy.”
 Arguing with the student or disputing that the
student is feeling depressed. “Your grades are so
good. Are you sure you’re really depressed?”
 Providing too much information for the student to
medications.
process.
 Expecting the student to stop feeling depressed
without intervention. “Sad feelings pass and maybe
they will for you, too.”
 Assuming the family knows about the student’s depression.
 Assuming that the student has a family or a network of supporters.
Never be afraid to ask
a student if they are
thinking about
hurting themselves.
Things to Know About Suicide
Suicide is the leading cause of death among college students.
Suicidal states are often associated with major depression, a
combination of acute anxiety and depression, post-traumatic stress
disorder, drug and alcohol abuse, and bipolar disorder.
People who are suicidal often tell people about their thoughts or give
clues to others about their feelings
The Student Who May Be Suicidal
What YOU Can Do
√
√
√
√
Call 911 if the student is in immediate
danger to him/herself.
Talk to the student privately (not in front of
others).
Remain calm and take the lead.
Take a student’s disclosure as a
serious plea for help. “I hear
clearly that you are really
considering killing yourself to
just end the pain of how badly
you are feeling.”)
√
Ask the student directly about
feelings and plans. “Are you
thinking of killing yourself?”
“How have you thought about
doing it?”
√
√
Express care and concern, and
assure the student that you will
help him or her get professional
help. (“I believe and trust
everything you are saying and
that you have not gotten to this
point easily. I am highly
concerned for you and want you
to believe and trust me now,
that seeking help can make a
difference, even if it doesn’t feel
this way right now.”)
If the student’s disclosure to you
takes place during business hours,
escort the student to Counseling
Services located on level 6 or
√
directly to the Emergency
Room. If it happens after business
hours, escort the student to the
Emergency Room. CALL 911. In
an emergency situation
If you feel overwhelmed or
unprepared to help a suicidal
student, call the Counselor at
(513) 862-2737 or page (513)
819-0971 for advisement as to
how to proceed.
ALL THREATS MUST BE CONSIDERED
POTENTIALLY LETHAL
Avoid…
 Minimizing the situation.
“It is not okay to kill yourself.”
 Arguing with the student
about the merits of living.
“You have good grades and
everyone loves you. How
could you think of killing
yourself?”
 Allowing friends to
assume responsibility for
the student without
contacting a professional.
 Assuming the family
knows that the student
has suicidal thoughts
 Assuming the student has
family or support network
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SUICIDE RISK
Suicidal Thoughts…

Pessimistic view of the future

Intense feelings of helplessness, especially when combined with anxiety

Feelings of alienation and isolation

Viewing death as a means of escape from distress

Previous suicide attempts

Personal or family history of depression and/ or suicide

Personal or family history of suicide attempts

Substance abuse

History of self-mutilation
A student who is suicidal and who confides in someone is often highly
ambivalent about suicide and open to discussion.
Students who are at high risk usually have a specific plan, have a means that
is lethal (e.g., medication, knife, gun), a timeframe in which they will kill
themselves, and tend to feel isolated.
ASK DIRECTLY ABOUT SUICIDE
Asking a student if he/she is suicidal will not put
the idea in the student’s head if it isn’t there
already; it will make a secret no longer a secret,
which is the first step to a solution.
The Student Who is Aggressive or Potential Violent
Facts about Aggression
It is very difficult to predict
aggression and violence
Indicators of Potential Violence




Expressed paranoia/mistrust
Highly unstable school or vocational history
History of juvenile violence or substance abuse
Prior history of violence or abuse, including history of arrests


History of cruelty to animals as a child or adolescent


Fire-starting behaviors
If a student threatens you by mail, phone, or e-mail:
1.
Threatening mail, phone calls, and e-mails received at your home
should be referred to your local police department.
2.
Notify Security, (513) 862-2476, and inform them of the complaint
filed with your local police department.
3.
Mail, phone calls, and e-mails received on campus should be referred to the
Security Department, (513) 862-2476.
4.
If you know the identity of the student making these threats, please also
contact the Dean of Student Services, (513) 862-3573 for
additional assistance.
The Student Who is Aggressive or Potential Violent
IF YOU ARE IN DANGER CALL 911
What YOU Can Do

Assess your level of safety

Call 911 if you feel in danger
It is difficult to predict
aggression and violence.
 If you feel it is appropriate to stay with the student, remain in an
open area with a visible means of escape. For example, sit
closest to the door and do not let the student get between you
and the door.
 Enlist the help of a co-worker.
 Explain to the student the behaviors that are unacceptable.
“I am glad to talk with you if you are willing to speak with me without
yelling.”
 Stay calm and set limits.
“So, let’s talk about what is upsetting you, but I want to be very clear
that we have to both do this without getting angry. Otherwise, we
shouldn’t continue this today.”
 Use a time-out strategy (that is, ask the student to reschedule a
meeting with you once the student has calmed down), if the student
refuses to cooperate and remains aggressive or agitated.
“I think it is best that we stop for today, but I do not want to drop this
so let’s set a time to come back together and then we can both have the
chance to settle down.”
Avoid…






Staying in a situation in which you feel unsafe.
Meeting alone with the student.
Engaging in a screaming match or behaving in other ways that
escalate anxiety and aggression.
Ignoring signs that the student’s anger is escalating.
Touching the student or crowding his or her sense of personal space.
Ignoring a gut reaction that you are in danger.
FACTS ABOUT TEST ANXIETY
Some anxiety often helps a student perform better
under pressure. However, if students experience too
much anxiety, it can affect both academic and
psychological wellbeing.
Test anxiety can be caused by many factors, such as the
pressure to succeed, past experiences, and/or fear of
failure.
Symptoms of Test Anxiety







Rapid heartbeat
Sweaty palms
Negative self-talk
Feelings of inadequacy
Tears
Inability to retain test information
Fear of fainting or vomiting
The student with test anxiety may not perform well on
tests, although grades on other course requirements are
good. A student can have anxiety related to certain types
of exams. For example, there may be a great discrepancy
between a student’s grades in multiple-choice and essay
exams in the same course.
The Student with Test Anxiety
What YOU Can Do
 See the student privately.
 Ask about the student’s exam preparation and time management skills.
Suggest useful study strategies and exam preparation techniques.
 Go over the exam with the student so that the student
understands his/her performance and what caused the errors.
 Refer the student to the Student Success Team. The Universal
Referral Form is located on this page
http://www.gscollege.edu/faculty/ which includes counseling for
stress management, test anxiety and/or psychological counseling, if
needed.
 Encourage the student to join or form a study group for the course to
provide academic and psychological support.
 Recommend tutoring (if available) if the student does not understand the
course material.
Avoid …




Minimizing the situation
Assuming the student is simply trying to ask for special attention.
Thinking the student should be able to handle the problem without support
Believing that if the student really understands the material, the student should be
able to perform better on exams
Avoid concluding that the student must have a learning disability
RESPONDING TO STUDENTS WHO ARE MILITARY VETERANS
Each semester, students enroll or are readmitted to GSC after serving in the armed
forces.
Some of these students have completed their military obligations, and others are still
involved with the military in some way, whether they continue on active duty or are
involved with the Reserves or National Guard.
Some students are very forthcoming about their veteran status and experiences, while others
choose not to reveal their veteran status to faculty, staff, or other students because they
believe they may be treated differently or stigmatized by political issues associated with
their military service.
Things to Know
Like any student, veteran students may encounter
obstacles to their academic success. These may include:
The distraction of potential redeployment.
Money and family demands.
Emotional and psychological traumas that result from combat experiences.
Physical injury, some visible and some invisible, such as a traumatic brain injury.
Interactions with students, faculty, and staff who are perceived as
being insensitive to the experiences student veterans have had.
 Veteran students may be in need of emotional or other health-related
support, but some may not be comfortable seeking this support on
campus.
 It is also not unusual for student veterans to be reluctant to seek any help
due to the need to be strongly self-reliant.





Need
Advice?
Have the
student contact
their local
Office of
Veterans
Affairs or the
Counselor at
513.862.2737
Helping Students in Distress
This guidebook has been adapted with permission from
Southern Connecticut State University
We wish to thank our University of
Connecticut colleagues, especially Dr. Lee
Burdette Williams, Dean of Students and
Dr. Barry A. Schreier, director,
Counseling and Mental Health Services
who generously and collegially have
encouraged us to borrow directly their
language, ideas and structural
organization for our own SCSU edition
of Helping Students in Distress. We also
wish to thank our colleagues from the
University of Maryland Counseling
Center whose publication likewise served
as a template in helping us to formulate
our guidebook for faculty and staff. We
respectfully acknowledge them with
gratitude for their wisdom and succinct
clarity in shaping the issues presented
within and formulating the
recommendations that serve all of us in
higher education. In turn, we encourage
our colleagues at other colleges and
universities to borrow freely from our
guidebook, because as higher education
colleagues, we all share in the mission to
serve our students with the best skills and
support possible
Permission granted via https://www.southernct.edu/student-life/Faculty-Staff-Guide-Students-in-Distress.pdf