Helping students in distress
Concerned about someone else?
Staff, faculty, friends, and family can contact us for support or consultation regarding a UCSC student in distress. Below are helpful tips for faculty and staff on how to respond to students in emotional distress, as well as guidance for family members and loved ones to promote mental health and well-being.
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Faculty/staff guide to responding to emotionally distressed students
Faculty and staff play a crucial role in identifying and supporting students who may be emotionally distressed. Here are key tips for responding to students in crisis:
Signs of Distress:
- Withdrawal, confusion, or bizarre behaviors
- Nervousness, agitation, irritability, or aggressive behavior
- Excessive procrastination or poor academic performance
- Depression, lack of energy, or changes in personal hygiene
Guidelines for interaction:
- Acknowledge Distress: Express concern and let the student know you are available to listen.
- Private Conversation: Meet privately to avoid distractions and allow the student to speak openly.
- Focus on the Student’s Concerns: Listen without judgment, and help them explore solutions.
- Avoid Arguments or Punitive Responses: Focus on offering support, not on arguing or punishing.
- Set Boundaries: If necessary, establish clear boundaries, and refer the student to CAPS when appropriate.
Guidelines for specific types of distressed students:
- Verbally Aggressive Student: Acknowledge anger, set limits on behavior, and help them calm down before discussing the issue.
- Violent/Physically Destructive Student: Acknowledge distress, set clear boundaries, and contact University Police if necessary.
- In Poor Contact with Reality: Respond with warmth and firmness, avoid arguing with irrational beliefs.
- Suspicious Student: Be consistent and clear while showing compassion. Avoid engaging in paranoid beliefs.
- Anxious Student: Allow them to express themselves, reassure them when appropriate, and avoid overwhelming them with too much information.
- Demanding Passive Student: Set boundaries regarding the time and support you can provide and encourage them to make their own decisions.
- Substance-Abusing Student: Look for signs of substance abuse, express concern, and encourage help-seeking.
- Depressed Student: Show concern, listen, and be alert for signs of suicidal thoughts.
- Suicidal Student: Take any threat seriously, offer support, and immediately refer them to professional help. Ask directly if they are thinking of suicide.
Referral to CAPS:
If you believe a student would benefit from professional counseling, refer them to CAPS. Let the student know that the service is confidential and free. In urgent cases, you can contact CAPS directly.
Warning signs of suicidal behavior:
- Expressions of wanting to die or harm themselves
- A specific plan to commit suicide
- Severe hopelessness or depression
- History of previous suicide attempts or substance abuse
- Withdrawal or significant mood changes
In these situations, immediately refer the student to a mental health professional.
How family and loved ones can help promote mental health and well-being for UCSC students
Your support as a parent, family member, or loved one is crucial for maintaining your UCSC student’s mental health. Here’s how you can help:
- Stay connected
Regularly check in with your student and offer a non-judgmental space for them to talk. - Recognize signs of distress
Watch for changes like withdrawal, anxiety, or shifts in mood, sleep, or academic performance. - Encourage self-care
Support healthy habits like exercise, sleep, and stress management. - Promote healthy coping
Encourage practices like mindfulness and seeking counseling when feeling overwhelmed. - Normalize help-seeking
Let your student know that seeking help is a sign of strength, and encourage them to access CAPS or other resources. - Provide emotional support
Validate your student’s feelings and offer empathy—being a good listener can be the most helpful support. - Set realistic expectations
Remind your student that college can be tough, and it’s okay to take things one step at a time. - Build a support network
Help your student connect with peers and campus groups to reduce loneliness and create a strong support system. - Know when to seek help
If your student is struggling, help them reach out to CAPS or other professionals. - Take care of yourself
Supporting others can be taxing, so make sure you’re also practicing self-care.
By staying engaged, you can help UCSC students maintain their mental health while navigating college life.
Join Slug Family Hub
The Slug Family Hub aims to enhance communication and support, ensuring that families remain connected to the student experience and the broader UCSC community. For more information or to share the hub with your family, visit Slug Family Hub.
