Supporting Students in Distress

While there is no single best approach for responding to distressed students, there are some broad principles that can guide you. You may find it beneficial to participate in training such as Mental Health First Aid or safeTALK through the Canadian Mental Health Association. Below you will find information about how to recognize warning signs, express concern, listen, make referrals, and what to expect following a referral.

The Context of Distress

Common Causes of Emotional Distress

• Relationship break-up
• Unplanned pregnancy
• Family conflict
• Religious conflicts
• Loss of a loved one
• Sexual or physical abuse or assault
• Divorce
• Identity confusion
• Feeling lonely
• Depression
• Academic pressure or failure
• Drug/alcohol abuse
• Serious illness or injury of self or others
• Career indecision
• Difficulty adjusting to university
• Loss of goal or dream
• Homesickness
• Occupational setback
• Not fitting in with peers
• Body image issues
• Coming out issues
• Financial stress

The Student Life Cycle

In addition to the cycle of developmental progress students typically experience over the course of their post-secondary studies, student services staff have found a cyclical pattern to the concerns, issues, and stresses that typically emerge at various times of the academic year. The following is a simple narrative approach to the cycle for the traditional student. It is important to be aware that we have an increasing proportion of our students who are not traditional students – mature students, international students, students who start in January, transfer students (including those transferring from an articulated program), graduate students, and students who study year-round. Consider how atypical groups might change the time-line presented below.

September

Excitement & new freedoms » Homesickness » Anxiety about roommates, classes and professors » Financial anxieties –  Tuition payments, first time paying rent, student loans, international money transfers

October

Personal conflicts » Do I belong » First mid-terms » Change becomes real » Introduction of full week break in this semester will create uncharted territory for students AND faculty

November

Academic realities settle in » Cold & flu Season » Procrastination » Exam anxiety

December

Self & Home have changed » Exam crises » Christmas break challenges relationships (new and old)

January

Fresh start optimism/resolve » Consequences of first term » Return to school from home

February

Cabin fever/SAD » Potential for increased substance use » Valentine’s Day » Spring Break realities

 

March

Anxiety about next year’s plans » Mid-terms » Summer employment » Anxiety about the changes the year brought on (physical and emotional) » Savings and Student loans start to run out, international students may be surprised that planned budget wasn’t consistent with Canadian expectations

Aprıl

Re-visiting decisions on major » Summer plans » Relationship disruptions » Final exam anxiety/crises

Signs of Distress

While clinicians often speak of symptoms, in the mental health world many symptoms are internal, personal experiences that are only shared when trust is developed, when boundaries are overly porous, or in times of desperation. More often, people involved in the lives of someone experiencing emotional distress will see signs – externally observable indicators that something might be amiss. These signs can be considered an invitation to approach and ask if we can help

Academıc Sıgns

• Career and course indecision
• Excessive procrastination
• Uncharacteristically poor preparation or performance
• Repeated requests for extensions or special considerations
• Disruptive classroom behaviour
• Excessive absence/tardiness
• Avoiding or dominating discussions
• References to suicide or homicide in verbal statements or writing
• Uncharacteristic lack of participation

Interpersonal Signs

• Asking instructor for help with personal problems
• Dependency on advisor or avoidance of advisor
• Disruptive behaviour
• Inability to get along with others
• Complaints from other students
• Withdrawal from others

Behavioural Signs

• Change in personal hygiene
• Frequently falling asleep in class
• Irritability
• Unruly behaviour
• Impaired speech
• Disjointed thoughts
• Tearfulness
• Intense emotion
• Inappropriate responses
• Difficulty concentrating
• Physically harming self

Physical

• Sudden increase or decrease in weight
• Lethargy, lack of energy
• Falling asleep in class
• Frequent illness

Be aware that broaching some of these issues can be awkward and may even sound reproachful. Building a relationship with student BEFORE these become an issue is key. Addressing them with some measure of privacy, in a tentative voice, and with compassion.

Unsure if some “signs” indicate student distress in a particular situation? Trust your instincts and consult a colleague or counselling services staff.