Recognizing and Responding to Students in Crisis: A Guide for Faculty and Staff

Whether in a classroom setting or on a one-to-one basis, you may find yourself in the position of noticing that a student is in distress or simply not acting like his/her usual self.  Recognizing and responding to signs of emotional distress may be a critical factor in assisting the student in receiving the help needed. 

THE ROLE OF FACULTY AND STAFF

Students today face increased pressure and stress from many sources, including family, relationships, cultural issues, academic, and many other areas.   Faculty and staff play a crucial role in recognizing student distress and in directing the student to appropriate supports.  Crisis is often described as any situation in which the demands exceed the resources available.  For our students, this would range along a continuum from a temporary stressful situation to serious trauma or distress.

For most students, simply accessing a caring and empathic “ear” can be enough to help them reactivate their own coping resources and supports.  However, in certain circumstances, faculty/staff may wish to refer the student to other supports, such as Counselling Services.  These might include situations involving:

·          threat of serious injury or potential danger to someone

·          threat of significant deterioration

·          serious psychiatric difficulties (depression, anxiety, psychosis)

·          threat of legal liability

·          volatile/uncertain outcome

Indicators of Crisis:  Many students struggle to ask for help outright but may exhibit their need for assistance in less direct ways such as:

·          unusual behaviour or change in behaviour

·          sudden/severe drop in academic performance or attendance

·          appearing distraught or disoriented

·          presenting as disruptive in class

·          abusing drugs/alcohol

·          exhibiting self harming behaviour

·          taking inordinate amounts of your time discussing concerns

Counselling Services will meet with any student to complete a consultation/intake screening and make recommendations regarding possible supports (on campus and in the community).  These consultations are ordinarily available on a same-day basis.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

Listen.  Often, simply having someone take the time to listen to their thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental way will help “take the pressure off”, and help the student refocus on a coping plan.

Know (and convey) your own limits and availability.  It is fine to offer personal support but best for all involved if you clearly state your professional and personal boundaries and time limitations.

Don’t feel you have to solve the student’s problem, or take responsibility for the student.  There are many other supports available within the university, and your contribution may be to help the student find appropriate resources.

Refer to Counselling Services or other services within the university.

It is important to be aware that even if you refer a student to Counselling Services, we are unable to share information about the student with you without his/her permission (unless there is a life threatening situation).  It is also important to respect the student’s right to not take advantage of supports available to them, including counselling. 

If a student continues to present to you and does not follow up with the supports you suggest, you may wish to consider your own personal limits and boundaries with respect to your energy and ability to help.

If there are concerns about the student’s immediate safety contact WLU Special Constables at x3333 for assistance.

If the student appears hesitant to attend Counselling Services, remind him/her that:

·          there is no charge

·          the student can attend a one-time only consultation

·          the student can bring along a support person (friend, don, etc.)

·          records can only be released with the student’s permission

Please feel free to contact Counselling Services at x2338 with questions or for a brief consultation.

Counselling Services is also available to assist students with personal counselling, performance skills coaching, post-trauma debriefing and other consultative and educational services. 

Listed below and on the following pages are the services that are available through Counselling Services.

SERVICES FOR CURRENT STUDENTS

1.  Intake Consultation:  All students who present to Counselling Services will meet initially with an Intake Counsellor.  During this meeting, the student’s reason(s) for considering counselling are reviewed and feedback is given regarding options to address the student’s issue.  If counselling is recommended, the Intake Counsellor will attempt to match the client with the most appropriate counsellor or service.  Some issues can be resolved in this one meeting, while others may require short or long-term counselling.

2.  Crisis Counselling:  A limited number of crisis appointments are maintained to ensure that students in crisis can be seen in a timely manner.  While it is always best to call ahead to check availability (x2338), a student may come directly to Counselling Services to await the next available appointment.  If Counselling Services is not available to address a crisis due to schedule or demand, the student will be provided with information regarding other crisis services available.

3.  Personal Counselling:  Our counselling staff are graduate level professionals familiar with the personal issues that may affect a student’s academic success and personal life.  Some common personal issues include:

·          stress         

·          depression/suicidal thoughts

·          anxiety/panic

·          relationship difficulties

·          alcohol/drug choices

·          self harm

·          parental/family conflict

·          grief/loss

·          conflict resolution

·          self-esteem

·          sexual functioning/orientation

·          homesickness/loneliness

4.  Performance Coaching:  Laurier Counselling Services offers a unique program designed to address student performance skills for success.  This includes individual consultation, pre-performance sessions, group workshops, presentations, and on-line materials designed to enhance performance in music, sports, exams, presentations, class participation and many other areas.  Common performance issues include:

·          confidence/composure

·          goal setting

·          motivation/purpose

·          focus/concentration

·          perfectionism

·          procrastination

·          performance anxiety/stress management

·          mistake recovery

SERVICES FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

1.  Consultations (re: students):  Staff who are concerned about a particular student or student issue are welcome to call or attend Counselling Services for information and feedback.  Please call x2338 to arrange.

2.  Information Sessions:  Staff from Counselling Services are available to provide information to staff/faculty meetings or classes regarding services, suicide awareness, mental health issues, or other related topics.  Please call x2338 to explore further.

3.  Personal Consultations: Staff who are experiencing personal difficulties are encouraged to utilize the EAP program.   This will minimize discomfort in interactions with counselling staff in other work situations.  However, we are happy to provide consultations to staff regarding services/options available in our community.  These appointments can be booked by calling x2338.

4.  Crisis Debriefings:  In the event of a traumatic event or crisis, counselling staff are available to speak with a class or small group regarding positive coping and supports available.  Please book by calling x2338.

SERVICES FOR ALUMNI AND PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Alumni and prospective students may also access 1-2 consultation sessions.