Interacting with a Distressed Student

1

• Change in academic performance.
• Change in attendance.
• Changes in patterns of interactions or behaviors.
• Changes in mood, motor activity, or speech.
• Changes in physical appearance/personal hygiene.

• Offer empathic support.
• Inquire how you can help in your role.
• Recommend campus resources.
• File a CARE Report.

2

• Repeated requests for special consideration.
• Unusual or exaggerated emotional response.
• Disruptive classroom behaviors.
• Panic attacks/excessive worry.
• Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness.

• Offer empathic support.
• Inquire how you can help in your role.
• Recommend campus resources.
• Consult with other faculty, staff or the Counseling Center.
• File a CARE Report.

3

• Highly disruptive behaviors (hostility, aggression, etc.).
• Inability to communicate clearly (slurred speech, disjointed thoughts).
• Loss of contact with reality (seeing/hearing things).
• Homicidal threats.

• These behaviors usually show the student needs immediate care.
• Call 911 for immediate assistance.
• Follow up: file a CARE Report.
• Follow up: consult with other faculty, staff or the Counseling Center.