Distressed students: What to do
- Mental health and students - In a nutshell - 5 minute overview
As a teacher you will sometimes see students who are experiencing high levels of stress. They are often trying to balance study with relationships, family, work, health, and finances. Some stressed students may show signs of anger, lethargy or sadness. Others may affect the learning environment in your class or even threaten your safety and that of other students. Early recognition that a student is distressed can help you take preventative action to reduce the impact on you, the student and the classroom environment. There may also be a serious situation when you must take immediate action. Below is information about:
Signs to notice
At times of high stress some students limit their contact with people. Others seek out individuals to whom they express their concerns and frustrations. Some obvious signs that may indicate distress include:
- crying or swollen, red eyes
- lethargy, falling asleep in class
- marked changes in personal dress and hygiene
- changes from consistently good grades to unaccountably poor performances
- excessive absences
- extension requests by a highly emotional student.
Effective responses
Students may reveal their distress to you in person, by phone or via email. In response:
- Stay calm and empathetic e.g. I can see things have been very difficult for you.
- Clarify the issue e.g. Tell me what is concerning you so that we can work this through together.
- Decide what assistance you can provide e.g. Provide an extension to an assignment due date.
- Decide what others can do and refer e.g. Refer to a counsellor.
- Inform relevant people e.g. Course Coordinator.
- Keep a record.
- Follow up.
- Debrief with a colleague or staff counsellor. (Davidson Trahaire provide staff counselling.)
- Familiarise yourself with relevant policies and procedures. (See Useful links).
If you receive an email from a distressed student briefly acknowledge the email and offer a time to talk with them as soon as possible e.g. Thank you for your email. Let’s talk about your situation as soon as possible. I can see you at … on …. Then follow the guidelines above about effective responses.
What to do in a serious situation
Keep the effective responses guidelines in mind and:
- Stay calm .
- Contact Security (88888 from a campus phone).
- Inform relevant people.
- Debrief with a staff counsellor (Davidson Trahaire).
- Keep a record.
Useful links
- Responding to distressed students
- Counsellors
- Learning and Teaching Unit offices or dial 66666 from a campus phone
- Security or dial 88888 from a campus phone
- Students with mental health conditions: A guide for staff
- Code of Good Practice: Student Behaviour
- Prevention of violence on campus
- Dealing with incidents of student misconduct