Bergen Community College
Counseling Center
201-447-7211
How to Recognize a Distressed Student
The academic experience for students of any age and background can cause considerable anxiety and stress. Most students are able to cope, however, many find that the pressures of life, work, and school become too difficult to manage. Their experiences might be frightening, overwhelming or unbearable. As faculty and staff you are often the first to notice a student in distress. Because many students have never sought emotional or psychological support before, your response is vital.
The Counseling Center hopes that you will find the following guidelines helpful in identifying potentially distressed students:
. Has there been a significant change in attendance, work performance, or decision-
making ability that is inconsistent with previous abilities?
. Are emotions displayed to the extreme or for prolonged periods of time, such as
tearfulness, fear, nervousness?
. Is the classroom behavior disruptive or extremely inappropriate to the extent that it
interferes with class management?
. Are there excessive requests for appointments or demands for your time? Does the
student seem overly dependent on you, needy or sad?
. Have you observed impaired or garbled speech or disoriented thinking?
. Has the student undergone extreme weight loss or gain?
. Has the student been excessively sleepy, listless, irritable, moody, verbally or
physically threatening?
. Has there been changes in the student’s personal hygiene?
. Has there been a change in the student’s ability to focus or concentrate?
. Does the student seem angry or aggressive?
. Has the student made (even one) suicidal or homicidal reference or threat?
201-447-7211
How You Can Help:
1. If you feel comfortable, ask to speak with the student in private. Use your skills to help the student feel comfortable.
2. Express your interest and concerns; suspend judgment.
3. Tell the student what you have observed or repeat back what the student said; avoid labeling.
4. Listen attentively.
5. Mention the Counseling Center as a resource. Suggest that the student make an appointment with a Personal Counselor, i.e.,“We have specially trained counselors who will listen to you with sensitivity and understanding.”
6. If you need assistance, contact the Counseling Center to speak with a Personal Counselor.
How to Make a Referral to the Counseling Center:
1. Suggest that the student call or come to the Counseling Center. Provide the student with the telephone number and the location.
2. If you prefer, call ahead with the student in your office. Allow the student to speak with the counselor and make the appointment.
3. If this is an emergency, let the receptionist and counselor know.
4. If necessary, walk the student to the Counseling Center.
5. If you are uncertain, consult with a Personal Counselor. We are available to you.