Student Distress may be evident in the behaviour of the student or in the behaviour or reaction that others have to the student. If you notice any of the following behaviours, you may wish to consult the schematic below for assistance in determining next steps.

Student Behaviours

• Behavioural or emotional change - Discomfort with student’s comments or behaviour
• Withdrawal - Concern about student’s ability to function
• Change in hygiene or appearance - Feeling alarmed or frightened
• Decline in academic performance
• Excessive or inappropriate anger
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Bizarre thoughts or behaviour

To refer a student to counselling

Have the student come to B112 (you may wish to accompany if the student is hesitant) Have the student call extension 5090 to book an appointment (from your office if student is reluctant)

Call counselling yourself (X 5090) and ask to speak to a counsellor if you have concerns or questions.

See below for more information about reluctant students.

Dealing with Reluctant or Hesitant Students

For various reasons students are sometimes reluctant or ambivalent about Counselling Services. It is not unusual for students to feel embarrassed, worried about stigma or feel their problems are not "big" enough to warrant counselling.

At times, if they don't know precisely where the problem lies, students feel that counselling can't help. If a student has developed a dependency on you, they may say something like "I don't want to talk to anyone else but you". Students may fear they will be asked to disclose personal details they are not comfortable revealing. Some are in "avoidance mode" and hope that by ignoring the problem, it will disappear. Some may fear they will be told what to do or forced to change their behaviour.

In these cases, offering extra reassurance to the student can be helpful. Acknowledge that there may be fears or concerns about seeking help.

• the service is confidential: no one, including family, teachers and friends will be given information without written permission and no mention of counselling will appear anywhere on an official academic record.
• it is easier to deal with small problems rather than waiting until they reach crisis proportions.
• let the student know Counselling Services sees well over fifteen hundred students each year.
• ask the student If what they are currently doing is working. Perhaps trying something new might help.
• students can "drop-in" for a one time visit and may not need to come back a second time
• asking for help ¡s a sign of strength and maturity (not weakness).
• "normal" people seek counselling.
• they won't be forced to do anything. Counsellors help students recognize their options, and respect the students' right to choose their own course of action.

While we may wish to be helpful to others, we have to allow students to make their own decisions. Counselling should be a choice rather than a requirement. Sometimes no matter what we say or do the student chooses not to seek help. If this occurs and you are uncomfortable with the situation, contact Counselling Services and ask to speak with a Counsellor regarding your concerns.

Appropriate Limits

When dealing with a student in distress, it is important to be aware of the limits of your own skills and abilities, and also of your professional role. To be alert to your own comfort level is critical. Before a difficult situation arises, decide where your boundaries lie. What counselling skills do you have? How much time are you willing to give? How involved would you like to be? Does your professional role have pre¬determined limits? Will there be a conflict between your role as helper to the student and your other role (i.e., teacher, supervisor)?

Having and communicating clear limits allows for effective and healthy helping relationships. It also facilitates the students getting professional help when he or she needs it, and not developing an over-reliance on you. Counsellors are available to consult with you regarding whether to intervene, how to intervene and how and when to make a referral.

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