At one time or another, everyone feels depressed or upset. However, there are three levels of student distress which, when present over a period of time, suggest that the problems are more than the ‘normal’ reactions to life stressors.
Level 1 Distress
Although not disruptive to others in the classroom or elsewhere, these behaviors in students may indicate that something is wrong, and that help may be needed:
- Serious grade problems.
- Unaccountable change from good to poor performance.
- Change from frequent attendance to excessive absences.
- Change in pattern of interaction.
- Marked change in mood, motor activity, or speech.
- Marked change in physical appearance.
Level 2 Disturbance
These behaviors in students may indicate significant emotional distress, or a reluctance or inability to acknowledge a need for personal help:
- Repeated request for special consideration.
- New or regularly occurring behavior which pushes the limits and may interfere with class management, or be disruptive to others.
- Unusual or exaggerated emotional response.
Level 3 Dysregulation
These behaviors may show that the student is in crisis and needs emergency care:
- Highly disruptive behavior (hostility, aggression, etc.).
- Inability to communicate clearly (garbled, slurred speech, disjointed thoughts).
- Loss of contact with reality (seeing/hearing things that are not there, beliefs or actions at odds with reality).
- Overt suicidal thoughts (suicide is a current option).
- Homicidal threats.
- Individuals deficient in skills that regulate emotion, cognition, self, behavior, and relationships.
More Tips for Faculty In the Classroom
- Create opportunities for connections in your classroom and work to engage the withdrawn, or socially isolated, student.
- Phrase feedback positively whenever possible.
- During critiques, emphasize the purpose, process, and benefit of them. Seek to normalize the experience by using examples, such as an invited upperclassman’s work.
- Understand that some students lack basic life skills and are playing catch-up in many areas.
- Identify the Student Success Coaches or the Student Success Center as a resource regarding self-care, stress management, test anxiety, depression, or other pertinent topics.
Outside the Classroom
- Refer students to programs that will help them improve study skills and time management (Student Success Center, Help Center, Math Lab).
- Encourage student involvement in events, campus clubs, or community activities.Contact the Student Activities Coordinator for a list of student organizations and campus activities.
- Inform students with disabilities about the self-identification process to utilize accommodations. Contact the Disability Coordinator in the Help Center.
- Engage with students at activities and on campus – they will feel valued!
- Consult with the BIT as needed for feedback. We are here to support the students and you!