Severe Distress Students may exhibit behaviors that signify an obvious crisis and that necessitate emergency care. Examples include: • Highly disruptive behavior (e.g. hostility, aggression, violence, etc.). • Inability to communicate clearly (garbled, slurred speech; unconnected, disjointed, or rambling thoughts). • Loss of contact with reality (seeing or hearing things which others cannot see or hear; beliefs or actions greatly at odds with reality or probability). • Stalking behaviors. • Inappropriate communications (including threatening letters, e-mail messages, harassment). • Overtly suicidal thoughts (including referring to suicide as a current option or in a written assignment). • Threatens to harm others. How to help students in severe distress: • Remain calm and know whom to call for help, if necessary. Find someone to stay with the student while calls to the appropriate resources are made. See referral information in next section. • Remember that it is NOT your responsibility to provide the professional help needed for a severely troubled/disruptive student. You need only to make the necessary call and request assistance. • When a student expresses a direct threat to themselves or others, or acts in a bizarre, highly irrational or disruptive way, call 911 or Campus Safety: (386) 226-7233 (SAFE) Follow up with the Dean of Students Office to share what happened: 386- 226-6326. If you are worried about a student's safety: • When called for, let the person know you are worried about their safety and describe the behavior or situation that is worrisome to you. • If you are concerned the student may be feeling hopeless and thinking about ending their life, ask if they are contemplating suicide. It is important to remember that talking about suicide should be taken seriously and not ignored. • Offer yourself as a caring person until professional assistance has been obtained. • After the student leaves your office, make some notes documenting your interactions. • Consult with others on your experience. 13
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