Student Health – Next Exit? Increasing number of students are taking psychotropic medication (UC student Mental Health Committee, 2006) STUDENTS ARE DISTRESSED STUDENTS ARE DISTRESSED

RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF DISTRESS ACADEMIC INDICATORS: Repeated Absences Miss work, exams, or late papers Decline in enthusiasm or work quality Academic Integrity Violation Unorganized, continual special provisions Threatening Instructors or lengthy s

RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF DISTRESS PHYSICAL SIGNS: Sleeping in Class Dramatic Change in Energy Level Drop in hygiene or personal appearance Significant Change in Weight Frequent Intoxication Noticeable cuts, bruises or burns

RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF DISTRESS EMOTIONAL IMPLICATIONS: Inappropriate Outbursts or Irritable Exaggerated Personality Traits Expressions of fear or hopelessness Themes of suicide, death, worthlessness Direct Statements of Distress Worried about a Friend/Family

RESPONDING EMERGENCIES: Suicidal Gestures, Intentions or Attempts Physical Aggression or Threats Unresponsive or Incoherent Disconnection from Reality Unmitigated Disruptive Behavior Any Dangerous or threatening situation

RESPONDING TO NON-EMERGENCIES IF YOU KNOW THE STUDENT: Remain Calm Tell specific reason for your concern Ask open-ended questions. Never Why! Listen, Be Patient, Silence Is Golden Restate exactly what you heard Ask what would be helpful Suggest available and free resources

If You Don’t Know the Student: Contact a source closer to the student Consult with an Appropriate Professional THINGS TO AVOID: DON’T Ignore the student; Downplay the situation; Argue; Expect the student to stop the behavior without intervention; Stay in an unsafe place; Ignore your gut feeling; Assume the family knows.

REFERRING STUDENTS FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP When to Refer: Unsuccessful repeated attempts to help Increase in Isolation, depression, Anxiety Drop in Academic & Social Performance Increase in Hopeless & Helpless Behavior You spend more time doing counseling than advising

HOW TO MAKE A Referral Inform the Student that Counseling Helps Know About Counseling Services x6449 Stress Services are Confidential & Free Help Student Set Up Initial Appointment Complete The Counseling Referral Form Send Form By Campus Mail or Fax x7752 See Form For More Details or Call x6449

CONFIDENTIALITY We are required by law & professional ethics to protect the confidentiality of all communications between counselors & clients (except harm to self or others). Unless the client gives written permission, the counselor can’t discuss - if the client is in counseling or any other details.