Recognizing Students in Trouble Randall Ward Disability Resource Center Brooke Ruxton Counseling & Student Development

Why Us?

Why Now? Increased awareness of mental health issues and their impact on college campuses – At NIU – Societal Increased presence of students with chronic mental health issues on college campuses

Objectives Be open to questioning what we “think we know” Educate regarding common student concerns that may become “troubling” Learn how to identify students who may be likely to escalate Provide resources/guidelines to assist in responding to these situations Empower staff to engage with and/or take action regarding your interactions with students who may be “in trouble”

Your Experiences Why are you here today? What is your comfort level in working with students who may seem concerning? What types of unusual situations have you encountered?

What situations/student presentations are most intimidating to you? – Specific Examples? – How might you handle them?

Student Concerns Asperger’s Syndrome – iM iM Anger/Frustration Anxiety Depression Psychosis Substance Use

Student Behaviors Changes in behavior including appetite, sleep, etc. (either increase or decrease) Mood Swings Changes in social behavior Difficulties with academic performance Hygiene concerns Crying spells

Student Behaviors Physical Agitation or depression Inappropriate Boundaries Unusual body language, eye contact, etc. Unusual speech patterns Disturbances of thought/beliefs/ideas Confusion Rigid/concrete thinking Need for rituals/order More?

Guidelines Separate behavior from mental health/disability Disturbed vs. Disturbing – Know your own triggers or comfort level Address behavior that is inappropriate, disrespectful, threatening etc. – Define this Have a plan/procedure in place in your office for dealing with disruptive students and troubling information. Make sure all staff members are aware of plans

Guidelines Pay attention to your “gut” – If a situation doesn’t feel “right,” you are uncomfortable… involve a supervisor or other staff member – Better to overreact, than under react …But don’t make assumptions – Most troubling behavior comes from normal feelings of anxiety, shame, frustration etc. – Students may have trouble regulating their emotions – Most behavior can be de-escalated

If you Identify Signs of Distress Provide a private (but safe) space Speak directly to the student Respect confidentiality and autonomy If you recommend counseling or other services, do so in a non-threatening way Explain why you are concerned Use specific behavioral examples Avoid generalizations Be honest

De-Escalation Speak calmly and slowly Use a softer tone of voice Be patient, don’t interrupt Seek clarification, don’t argue Try to see the students’ perspective; use active listening – What is active listening? Provide physical distance Be aware of your body language and other non-verbal cues Call in back-up support – Other staff – Consult with CSDC/DRC/CSSC – NIU Public Safety

Angry/Disruptive Students Set limits- don’t “put up with” inappropriate behavior Provide choices If you feel unsafe/uncomfortable do not meet alone, let others know what you’re doing Take all threats seriously - it is not your job to determine the level of threat Never try to detain a student on your own Call police if you feel the situation may be dangerous Document Interactions Use CSSC resources and Maxient Student Threat Assessment Team (STAT)

Other Troubling Communications Sometimes a student may be on the phone or communicate in writing, rather than in person contacts Bring unusual communication to the attention of a supervisor and consult about action to be taken Err on side of “over” reacting rather than “under” reacting Always take threats seriously On the phone get as much information as possible; who, what, where, when…

Resources Optimize the hand-off Call with questions Disability Resource Center 4 th Floor Health Services Building Counseling & Student Development Center 200 Campus Life Building After hours: ask for on-call counselor

Resources Community Standards & Student Conduct 280 Campus Life Building Maxient system: NIU Public Safety Non-emergency Or call 911 Student Affairs & Enrollment Management Altgeld

Thank You Questions