CRISIS INTERVENTION Katherine L. Morris, Ph.D., L.P. Jean Baribeau-Thoennes, MSW William Long, L.P.

MISSION OF CRISIS INTERVENTION HS is Accessible to you in an emergency with a student. The best crisis intervention is prevention & early detection. Dealing quickly with emotional & health crises reduces the negative impact on academic progress. Students are more likely to handle crises & stay in school if they establish interpersonal connections.

National College Health Association Survey, Spring 2004

UMD Alcohol & Drug Behavior Actual Behavior Attributed Behavior 7+ drinks at most recent party 46.5%53.3% Within the Last 30 Days: Alcohol78.9%99.1% Marijuana26.4%86.8% Cocaine3.5%34.4% Amphetamines4.3%45.1% Other Drugs3.9%44% Cigarettes (daily)8.9%95.1%

National College Health Association Survey, Spring 2004 Sexual Behavior at UMD Sexual partners2.1 over 1 yr (male) Sexual partners1.4 over 1 yr (female) Sexual intercourse43.2% over last 30 days % Actual Behavior Attributed Behavior

National College Health Association Survey, Spring 2004 Top 10 Academic Impediments at UMD

TYPES OF EMOTIONAL CRISES Depression Suicidality Anxiety / Stress Abusive Relationships Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Eating Disorders

Symptoms of Depression Feelings of hopelessness Fatigue / exhaustion Sleep difficulties Eating disturbances Poor concentration Loss of interest in activities Thoughts of suicide Difficulty functioning Give HOPE - 80% get better

Suicidality (3rd cause of death for ages ) Shows signs of depression Increased use of alcohol or high risk behavior Getting the means to kill oneself Giving away prized possessions Indicating a desire to get even with significant others Discussing suicide or issues Have made past attempts ASK

Anxiety / Stress Anxious mood & overreacting to situations Inability to concentrate or pay attention Inability to get organized Increased procrastination Anxiety attacks: weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, increased heart rate Difficulty making decisions

Anxiety / Stress continued “Going blank”: forgetting & losing things Frequent headaches, backaches, tightness in stomach Frequent indigestion or diarrhea Overpowering urges to cry or run & hide Increased use of alcohol Increased illnesses & accidents BE CALM

Symptoms of Alcohol & Drug Abuse Odor of alcohol or marijuana Slurred speech Rapid speech Incoherent Bizarre behavior: acting out or non- compliance to requests Irrational thought process, verbal or written Inconsistent class attendance

Eating Disorders Danger Signals Losing a significant amount of weight Continuing to diet (although thin) Feeling fat, even after losing weight Fearing weight gain Losing monthly menstrual periods Preoccupation with food, calories, nutrition and / or cooking Exercising compulsively Bingeing and purging

Common Symptoms Excessive procrastination and / or poorly prepared work Frequent class absences Nervousness, agitation, impaired speech, excessive fingernail biting High levels of irritability including undue aggressive or abrasive behavior Excessive demands on your time Inability to make decisions

Common Symptoms continued Strange behavior, paranoia, hostility Marked change in personal hygiene or appearance Sleeplessness, lethargy Sadness or fearfulness References to harming self or others Evidence of excessive drug or alcohol use Crying Dizziness or fainting

Dealing with Crisis Behavior Be supportive Be calm Be honest & direct State your concern Don’t act shocked or surprised Gather pertinent information Refer to counseling

Counseling Satisfaction Surveys Counseling Improved My Academic Functioning

Iowa State Counseled students enjoy 14% retention advantage over non-counseled counterparts.

Counseling Satisfaction Surveys Students Deal More Effectively With Problems

Counseling Satisfaction Surveys I Would Come Back If I Needed Help

Counseling Satisfaction Surveys I Would Recommend to a Friend

Overall Quality of Services at UMD Health Services

REFERRAL PROCESS Call 7913 or 8155 (you, the student, or the student in the office). Identify level of crisis (today, tomorrow, next week). If there is danger: In an emergency call 911, in a non-emergency call campus police (7000). If you want to explain the details, ask to speak with a counselor.

REFERRAL PROCESS continued If you want feedback, ask the student to sign a release or bring back note. If the student is hesitant, address the concerns. If the student won’t come.... Good Samaritan Law

BARRIERS TO REFERRAL I should be able to do it myself. Someone will see me. My parents will find out. It will cost too much. I don’t have time. No one can understand. It will pass.