Crisis Management Responding to the needs of our community

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In a Crisis Situation Please Remember: Keep your supervisor informed - Your supervisor has the training required and the institutional “know how” to deal effectively with a crisis You are not alone - Ask for help and support any time you feel you need it

Serving as a First Responder Things to note regarding a student who may be in - or headed toward - a crisis: – Look for a marked personality change – Take all threats seriously – Document what you hear, see and sense – Always be alert for possible problems – Take care of yourself

Ask for Help Remember we all need help on occasion Recognize that even though you have many strengths, you also have some limitations Ask for help if you feel you are in over your head Let other staff members know that you have asked for help

Signs That a Student May Be Headed for a Crisis Inability to concentrate Confusion/Disorientation Persistent worrying Social withdrawal Increased irritability Dangerous behaviors Bizarre behavior Missing classes or assignments Procrastination Restless/Agitation Marked changes in personal hygiene Mood Swings Indecisiveness Depression/Suicidal thoughts Increased drug/alcohol use

A Student may be in Crisis and Require Immediate Assistance if they Exhibit any of the following: Suicidal Ideation and/or behaviors Homicidal threats Threats to harm another person Disjointed rambling, slurred speech Hallucinations Disoriented or bizarre thoughts Extreme panic Extreme manic behavior Being so drunk or high that dangerous behavior is imminent

Depression Depression involves the mind, body, & thoughts impacting one’s ability to sleep, study, work, eat & enjoy life. These feelings can last for weeks at a time. It is estimated that as many as 15% of college students are depressed. Depressed students are twice as likely to drop out of college.

Signs of Depression Persistent sad, anxious or empty mood Feeling of hopelessness and pessimism Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness Loss of interest in once loved activities Decreased energy, fatigue Difficulty concentrating or remembering Insomnia or oversleeping Weight loss or gain Thoughts of death or suicide Suicide attempts Restlessness, irritability Persistent feeling of illness or chronic pain

Dysthymia : A less severe form of depression involving long term chronic symptoms that can keep a person from functioning well Abnormal or excessive elation Unusual irritability Decreased need for sleep Increased talking Grandiose notions Racing thoughts Increased sexual desire Markedly increased energy Poor judgment Inappropriate social behavior

One in Ten College Students Have Considered Suicide. Warning Signs Include: Threatening to hurt or kill oneself Looking for ways to kill oneself Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide Feeling hopeless Acting reckless Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger Feeling trapped Increasing alcohol or drug use Withdrawing from friends and family Feeling anxious, agitated, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time Experiencing dramatic mood changes Seeing no reason for living or having no purpose in life

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) SAD is characterized by periods of depression that accompany seasonal changes. Symptoms include: Depression Daytime Fatigue Over Sleeping Craving Carbs Weight Gain

Working with Campus and Local Police Very often in a time of crisis you will find yourself working close with the campus or local police forces: Introduce yourself as a member of the student staff Provide any information that might be helpful Offer to help Help to respect the privacy of the student(s) involved Assist other emergency personnel as needed

Working with Campus and Local Police Make every effort not to: Interfere with the police investigation or response Argue with an officer in front of students Be offended if the officers don’t address or include you in the situation; when they can they will Badmouth campus support services or other emergency personnel

When a Student Needs a Referral A student needs a referral when: – He/she requests information or help in an area beyond your expertise – You feel a personality conflict exists between you and a student – A student is hesitant to discuss an issue with you – You no longer feel you are being effective in communicating with the student

When Referring a Student it is Important to: Inform that student that the referral is being made in his/her best interest Make him/her aware of all the resource options available Tell him/her that you are not dumping him/her on to another office or staff member

Things to Think About When Making A Referral: The more you know about the services and resources on campus the better The more you know about the professionals on campus the better Students may be anxious about going to an office for the first time Students have the right to disagree with your suggestions for getting assistance

Q/A & Discussion