1. Working with Students in Distress
Meera Menon, M.D.
Psychiatrist
Counseling and Consultation Service

2. Disclosures
I have no relevant financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.
The views and opinions expressed in this presentation are my own and not representative of WSU or OSU.
Although I have an adjunct Faculty Position at both Wright State University and Ohio State University, the views and opinions I am expressing today are not representative of these organizations.

3. Learning Objectives
Utilize open discussion to identify common warning signs of distressed students
Identify ways to assist students in distress
Recognize your own reactions
Examine your own campus resources

4. About Me
Attended medical school and psychiatry residency training at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio
Before that, Case Western Reserve University: RA, Tour Guide
CWRU has a wonderful health and counseling center, however, I am very aware that many others are the front lines of helping students in mental health or medical distress

5. Turn to the person next to you…
Introduce yourself
Briefly describe (1) a time you worked with a student in distress OR (2) what you are hoping to learn today
A few people share stories (exclude identifying information of student, say your name, position, where you are from)
What are you hoping to learn today?

6. Common Warning Signs Academic Interpersonal Behavioral
Any ideas of warning signs?

7. Academic Warning Signs
Excessive procrastination Change in preparation or performance Repeated requests for special considerations Excessive absence or tardiness Inability to stay awake in class Disruptive or threatening behaviors
Changes from usual behavior, particularly decline

8. Interpersonal Warning Signs
Excessive neediness/emotional connection Inability to get along with others Social withdrawal from others Conflict with wide range of others Concerns and complaints from other students Unusual or changed interaction patterns

9. Behavioral Warning Signs
Change in appearance and hygiene Signs of disrupted sleep Dramatic weight gain or loss Difficulty concentrating Impaired speech Change in mood; loss of interest Inappropriate or exaggerated emotional expressions Evidence of excessive alcohol/drug use

10. Suicide Warning Signs
Talking about dying, self-harm, that “life isn’t worth it”
Written work with references to self harm or content that appears strange
Expressing feelings of hopelessness
Giving away personal possessions
Risk factors: extreme stress, drug and/or alcohol abuse,
past suicide attempts
Protective factors: Support system, signs of resilience
Asking someone if they have considered killing themselves does not create suicidal thoughts
Do you want to hurt yourself vs kill yourself?
Reslience – positive attitude, optimism, emotional regulation, ability to see failure as helpful feedback

11. Assisting Students in Distress
Ways in which you have assisted your students?

12. Assisting Students
Be aware of policies Observe Reach out/Take action Listen (content, theme, emotion/feelings) Be non-judgmental Maintain regular contact with the student Do not be sworn to secrecy
Natural to form a trusting relationship with students. Feel comfortable sharing.
Be careful of safety contracts.

13. Assisting Students Continued…
Make a referral to counseling center or other resources on campus or in the community, if necessary
CONSULT with your supervisor or experts
Call emergency services
Document your interactions with the student and other faculty and staff

14. Managing Your Own Reactions
Know your limits
Do not take the students actions personally
Debrief your experience with your colleagues or supervisor
Build a support system
Engage in self-care activities to restore your balance
Be aware of blind spots, limitations
CPR analogy: run out of steam after a while, need to call for backup early
DO NOT talk to other students about another student

15. Campus Resources
What are some campus and community resources upon which you may rely?
Counseling Center, Academic Coaching, Career Counseling, Advocacy office, human resources, Title IX office, campus police, office of disability service

16. CCS Services
ccs.osu.edu Two Locations: Lincoln Tower, Younkin Success Center Services Individual therapy Group therapy Workshops: Perfectionism, Beating Anxiety, Art Space Psychiatry Outreach Consultation to faculty/staff
Our services are common at many universities
IN addition to this, at Ohio State there is academic coaching, career counseling, advocacy office, sexual assault resources, disability services

17. Thank you!
Questions? Comments?