Faculty and Staff Resources

Students in Distress: A Guide for Faculty and Staff

Counseling Center
University of Missouri - Columbia

The primary mission of the MU Counseling Center is to promote the success and growth of individuals in the MU community and the campus as a whole, fostering personal, intellectual and psychological well-being.

For many students, the college experience is a mix of anticipation and anxiety, competition and camaraderie, dependence and independence. In short, it is an exciting and sometimes stressful time. Academic pressures, family conflicts, relationship problems, career indecision, and changing values may cause "short circuiting." Many college students experience psychological crises which temporarily interfere with their lives. In any community, up to 10 percent of the population may be distressed by depression, acute anxiety, alcohol or drug abuse or other serious problems.

As a member of the faculty, administration or staff, you may encounter students who are experiencing serious problems. Oftentimes, you may be the first person that a student turns to for help. Students may look to you either in crisis situations or when they need support for what we understand as typical adjustment and decision making issues. What should you do?
 
This guide is designed to assist you in: 1) knowing some common causes of distress, 2) identifying possible warning signs of distress, 3) how you can help a student in distress, and 4) how to refer a student to the Counseling Center.

Common Causes of Emotional Distress
Relationship Breakup
Family Conflict
Loss of a Loved One
Divorce of Parents
Feeling Lonely
Academic Pressure or Failure
Serious Illness or Injury
Violent Traumatic Events
Not Fitting in with Peers
Unplanned Pregnancy
Religious Conflicts
Sexual Abuse or Assault
Physical Abuse or Assault
Identity Confusion
Perfectionism
Low Self-Esteem/Self-Concept
Loss of Goal or Dream

Common Warning Signs of Student Distress
Academic:

• Excessive Procrastination
• Dramatic Negative Change in Preparation or Performance
• Repeated Requests for Extensions or Special Considerations
• Disruptive Classroom Behavior
• Excessive Absence/Tardiness
• Frequently Falling Asleep in Class
• Avoiding or Dominating Discussions
• Problems with Major and/or Career
• References to Suicide or Homicide in Verbal Statements or Writing

Interpersonal:

• Asking Instructor for Help with Personal Problems
• Withdrawal from interactions with faculty, administrators, staff, peers
• Dependency on Advisor/Instructor/Professor
• Hanging Around Office
• Disruptive Behavior
• Inability to Get Along with Others
• Complaints from Other Students
• Isolating Self from Others

Behavioral:

• Change in Personal Hygiene
• Dramatic Weight Gain or Loss
• Lack of Energy
• Irritability, Aggressiveness
• Inappropriate or Exaggerated Behavior
• Impaired Speech
• Disjointed Thoughts
• Tearfulness
• Intense Emotion
• Inappropriate Responses
• Difficulty Concentrating
• Physically Harming Self
• Substance Abuse (e.g., smell alcohol on breadth, slurred speech, bloodshot eyes)
• Insomnia or Excessive Sleep*
• Talk of Hopelessness and Despair*
• Major life trauma: death, abuse, terminal illness*
• Expression of suicidal thoughts or feelings*

Any references to suicide, including thoughts, threats or attempts are extremely serious. Referral is necessary.

* The behaviors marked with an asterisk (*) can indicate severe stress and crisis. Please call the Counseling Center for assistance.