Within an academic setting, the students who are often viewed as emotionally distressed are the depressed student, the anxious/shy student, and the student with drug or alcohol problems. The following guide provides a brief description and some suggestions for helping these students. There are, of course, other issues students need help with (e.g., eating disorders, adapting to a new culture/environment). If you have any questions about helping students with any kind of problem, call us at the Counseling Center, Ext. 8331.

The Depressed Student

Students who are depressed may experience a wide range of symptoms including difficulty concentrating, low energy, loss of motivation, loss of interest in things once thought to be pleasurable, depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, withdrawal, feelings of inadequacy, excessive guilt, change in appetite and/or sleeping patterns, and possibly self-destructive thoughts, including suicide. What To Do:

• Encourage the student to share what s/he is experiencing and feeling.
• Share your concern.
• Listen for suicidal thoughts or intentions, and if you are concerned about the possibility, ask whether the student has thoughts or a plan to harm him/herself.
• Recommend that the student seek counseling.

• Minimizing the situation or discounting the student' s feelings, saying only things like "don't worry" or "it will be better tomorrow."
• Assuming that all students who are depressed are also suicidal. If you are concerned about the possibility...ask.

The Anxious/Shy Student

Students who are anxious appear tense, nervous, self-conscious or uncomfortable. Decision-making can be difficult. Unknown and unfamiliar situations, as well as high and unreasonable expectations, can raise a student's apprehension and worry. What To Do:

• Be patient.
• Be clear and explicit about your expectations.
• Encourage the student to discuss his/her feelings and thoughts. This alone can relieve a great deal of anxiety.
• Reassure when appropriate.
• Ask the student what s/he has done to try to improve his/her situation.
• If the student hasn't sought counseling, recommend that s/he does so.

• Being judgmental or critical.
• Getting caught up and lost in the student's anxiety.
• Disregarding the student's feelings.

The Student with Drug or Alcohol Problems:

Substance abuse can be both the cause or result of other problems. Students with a substance abuse problem may experience difficulty in many areas: academic performance, relationships, and health. Students who are abusing or misusing alcohol or other drugs are often hesitant to seek help, and need specialized, accessible services. If you are concerned that a student may have a drug or alcohol problem, it' s important to encourage the student to seek help because of the potential negative effects on this student's overall functioning and emotional well-being. What To Do:

• Suggest the student seek help from the Substance Abuse Prevention Program Coordinator in the Counseling Center. Students may speak with the Program Coordinator by calling Ext. 8331 or by dropping by Room 38 in the Student Activities Center. Students should call Ext. 8331 for a current list of the drop-in hours.
• You may call the Prevention Program Coordinator for a consultation if you are concerned about a student but are uncertain about making a referral, or if a student seems reluctant to seek help.
• Consider assisting the student in making an appointment by calling the Program Coordinator while the student is in your office at Ext. 8331. Or you may find it useful to walk the student over to the Substance Abuse Prevention Program Drop-In hours. (Call the Counseling Center, Ext. 8331 for the times of the drop-in hours).

• Ignoring or minimizing symptoms or signs of a drug or alcohol problem.
• Judging or preaching.
• Assuming the problem is temporary.