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Students typically encounter a great deal of stress during their university years (i.e., academic, social, family, work, financial). While most students cope successfully with the demands of university life, for some the pressures can become overwhelming and unmanageable. Students may feel alone, isolated, helpless and even hopeless. These feelings can easily disrupt academic performance and may result in harmful behaviors such as substance abuse and attempts at suicide.
Faculty and staff members are in a unique position to identify and help students who are in distress. This may be particularly true for students who cannot or will not turn to family or friends. Anyone who is seen as caring and trustworthy may be a potential resource in times of trouble. Your expression of interest and concern may be a critical factor in helping struggling students reestablish emotional equilibrium, thus saving their academic careers or even their lives.
The purpose of this brochure is to help you recognize some of the symptoms of student distress and to provide some specific options for intervention and for referral to campus and community resources. The University's Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is available to assist you with problem situations and to consult with you on whether to intervene with a particular student.
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