Working with Students in Distress Meera Menon, M.D. Psychiatrist Counseling and Consultation Service

Disclosures I have no relevant financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose. The views and opinions expressed in this presentation are my own and not representative of WSU or OSU. Although I have an adjunct Faculty Position at both Wright State University and Ohio State University, the views and opinions I am expressing today are not representative of these organizations.

Learning Objectives Utilize open discussion to identify common warning signs of distressed students Identify ways to assist students in distress Recognize your own reactions Examine your own campus resources

About Me Attended medical school and psychiatry residency training at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio Before that, Case Western Reserve University: RA, Tour Guide CWRU has a wonderful health and counseling center, however, I am very aware that many others are the front lines of helping students in mental health or medical distress

Turn to the person next to you… Introduce yourself Briefly describe (1) a time you worked with a student in distress OR (2) what you are hoping to learn today A few people share stories (exclude identifying information of student, say your name, position, where you are from) What are you hoping to learn today?

Common Warning Signs Academic Interpersonal Behavioral Any ideas of warning signs?

Academic Warning Signs Excessive procrastination Change in preparation or performance Repeated requests for special considerations Excessive absence or tardiness Inability to stay awake in class Disruptive or threatening behaviors Changes from usual behavior, particularly decline

Interpersonal Warning Signs Excessive neediness/emotional connection Inability to get along with others Social withdrawal from others Conflict with wide range of others Concerns and complaints from other students Unusual or changed interaction patterns

Behavioral Warning Signs Change in appearance and hygiene Signs of disrupted sleep Dramatic weight gain or loss Difficulty concentrating Impaired speech Change in mood; loss of interest Inappropriate or exaggerated emotional expressions Evidence of excessive alcohol/drug use

Suicide Warning Signs Talking about dying, self-harm, that “life isn’t worth it” Written work with references to self harm or content that appears strange Expressing feelings of hopelessness Giving away personal possessions Risk factors: extreme stress, drug and/or alcohol abuse, past suicide attempts Protective factors: Support system, signs of resilience Asking someone if they have considered killing themselves does not create suicidal thoughts Do you want to hurt yourself vs kill yourself? Reslience – positive attitude, optimism, emotional regulation, ability to see failure as helpful feedback

Assisting Students in Distress Ways in which you have assisted your students?

Assisting Students Be aware of policies Observe Reach out/Take action Listen (content, theme, emotion/feelings) Be non-judgmental Maintain regular contact with the student Do not be sworn to secrecy Natural to form a trusting relationship with students. Feel comfortable sharing. Be careful of safety contracts.

Assisting Students Continued… Make a referral to counseling center or other resources on campus or in the community, if necessary CONSULT with your supervisor or experts Call emergency services Document your interactions with the student and other faculty and staff

Managing Your Own Reactions Know your limits Do not take the students actions personally Debrief your experience with your colleagues or supervisor Build a support system Engage in self-care activities to restore your balance Be aware of blind spots, limitations CPR analogy: run out of steam after a while, need to call for backup early DO NOT talk to other students about another student

Campus Resources What are some campus and community resources upon which you may rely? Counseling Center, Academic Coaching, Career Counseling, Advocacy office, human resources, Title IX office, campus police, office of disability service

CCS Services ccs.osu.edu Two Locations: Lincoln Tower, Younkin Success Center Services Individual therapy Group therapy Workshops: Perfectionism, Beating Anxiety, Art Space Psychiatry Outreach Consultation to faculty/staff Our services are common at many universities IN addition to this, at Ohio State there is academic coaching, career counseling, advocacy office, sexual assault resources, disability services

Thank you! Questions? Comments?