As a family member or friend, you may observe behavioral signs or changes that concern you. The following list offers some behavioral signs that may reflect potential problems; however, this is not an exhaustive list:

• Aggressive or threatening behavior
• Social withdrawal or other marked change in social habits
• Marked changes in personal hygiene
• Preoccupation with weight, food or exercise
• Dramatic weight loss or gain
• Excessive crying, increasingly emotional or mood changes
• Marked changes in energy level (e.g., listlessness or hyperactivity)
• Noticeable changes potentially associated with drinking or drug use
• Increases in pessimism, hopelessness or helplessness
• Change in academic habits (e.g., a historically hard-working student who seems not to care about academic performance anymore)
• Bizarre behaviors (e.g., paranoia, strange speech patterns)
• References to suicide or death
• Any other behaviors or symptoms which represent a distinct departure from the behavior you have always seen from the student

What to do when your child is having difficulty or is in crisis

• As a parent you may be in a good position to help the student acknowledge that there is a problem. Talking promptly, openly and empathically about your observations and concerns will likely have the best result. Here are a few suggestions on how to respond to changes you may observe in your child.
• Don’t “put off until tomorrow.” Gently raise your concerns with your child as soon as you notice problems. Ignoring disturbing behavior is unlikely to “make it go away.”
• Have a caring, concerned nonjudgmental discussion of your concerns. Choose a time and place carefully to allow for a private and honest discussion.
• Listen at least as much as you talk.
• Avoid the tendency to be critical or judgmental.
• Avoid the temptation to offer easy solutions to problems or to “take care of everything” for your child.
• Know your own limits. Do not feel pressured to take on the problems yourself. The Counseling Center staff may be better trained to help your student with specific concerns. Being able to refer your child to college resources is a vital role you can play.

How to refer to the Counseling Center
Please encourage your family member or friend to call the Counseling Center for an appointment or come in to speak with someone. You cannot schedule an appointment for your child. Often students are hesitant to seek out mental health counseling and your encouragement can facilitate them getting the services they need. Let them know that we see a wide range of issues at the Counseling Center and no issue is too small or too big. Call 719-502-4782 If you are concerned about a student, contact us by making a report through our website. 

Students may experience a great deal of stress during the course of their academic experiences. While most students cope successfully with the challenges these years bring, some students find the various pressures of life unmanageable or unbearable.

Encounters
As faculty and staff, you may encounter distressed students in your office or your classrooms. Many of these students have not sought mental health counseling and may be unaware of the services available to them.

Your Role
Your role could be a positive and crucial one in identifying students who are in distress and assisting them to find the resources available to help themselves. The information below will provide suggestions for faculty and staff on assisting students in distress.

What to Look For
What Signs Indicate that a Referral to the Mental Health Counseling Center Might Be Helpful?

• Abrupt/radical changes in behavior, including a dramatic decrease in academic functioning
• Isolation from others
• Noticeable changes in mood, such as depression, apathy, or irritability
• Poor attendance in classes
• Sudden outbursts of anger
• Attention/memory difficulties
• Alcohol/drug abuse
• Marked change in personal hygiene/appearance
• Inappropriate crying
• Bizarre statements or behavior
• Suicidal statements

How Do I Refer to the Counseling Center?
Provide the student with the Counseling Center's phone number: (719) 502-4782 or direct him/her to our website for further information. If you are concerned about the student, contact us by making a report through our website.

Theory: There is no one right formula to follow when responding to a distressed student. What is most important is to approach the student in a calm, gentle manner that conveys genuine concern and a sincere desire to understand and assist. Keep in mind that active listening and being there for the student is most effective in assisting the student.

Determining Urgency: Another key aspect of intervening is to determine how urgent the situation seems to be. The more apparently life-threatening the situation, the more rapidly one needs to intervene in bringing in appropriate resources. If the student appears seriously disoriented or incoherent, or if the situation appears imminently life-threatening, the best action to take is to call 911 immediately.

Guidelines: The following guidelines apply when the situation does not appear to be imminently life-threatening:

• Request to speak with the student privately.
• Describe the behaviors or signs that concern you.
• Listen carefully, avoiding interruptions and asking too many questions.
• Show concern and interest.
• Repeat back the essence of what the student has told you.
• Avoid criticizing or sounding judgmental.
• Refrain from telling the student what to do.
• Assist in identifying options available to the student, including relevant resources available to the student.
• Consider the Counseling Center as a resource and discuss a referral with the student.
• If the student resists help and you are worried, contact the Counseling Center to discuss your concerns at (719) 502-4782 or you can contact us by making a report through our website.

Professionalism: Maintaining interpersonal boundaries appropriate to a relationship with the student is important. Extending oneself can be a gratifying experience when kept within realistic limits. Short of emergency situations, sometimes there is not much a concerned person can do if the distressed student is not receptive to assistance.