|
 I am concerned about a student By Chene Walz “Hi … I don’t know if I’m calling the right place, but I’m worried about my roommate. She only leaves our room to go to class, and she keeps to herself. We used to hang out with friends and go places. I don’t want to mess up our friendship, but I want to help her before it gets worse.” “I’ve got a buddy who used to drink a little, but it’s gotten way out of hand this quarter. I think it’s out of control, and it’s messing up his schoolwork and friendships. What can I do?” “I’ve got a student whose personality changed in the last couple of weeks -- she doesn’t participate anymore and seems to be disconnected and ‘in her own world.’ I thought it might pass, but now she has missed three classes. I’m worried. Can you help?” “I think my friend was sexually assaulted, and I don’t know how to help.” “This is my son’s first quarter, and I am worried that he is depressed. What resources do you have?” These are common calls received by the Center for Student Counseling and Disability Services. Students, family, faculty and staff are often concerned about students who seem troubled and wonder how best to help. Here are some tips: Approach the troubled person in a thoughtful, calm way and explain your concerns. Discuss counseling services and suggest making an appointment to speak with a mental health counselor. Reassure the person that encouraging him to seek counseling is an expression of your support and a vote of confidence that he has the power to find solutions. Hopefully, the friend will agree to schedule an appointment. You may want to have him call immediately from your room or office, while the intention to receive help is still present. You also can offer to accompany him to the initial appointment. However, it is possible that the person will not be open to speaking with a counselor or even talking with you about the situation. In that case (if it is not an emergency), communicate your continued support and availability. The person also could respond that she does not know if counseling services are appropriate for her issues. Maybe she thinks her issues are too mild or too severe. You can assure her that the counseling staff is an appropriate referral and will connect her with the resources she needs. If you find yourself in an urgent situation -- for instance, if you are worried that a student is suicidal or in any other sort of danger -- contact the college security department at 525-4500 or call 911 immediately. You also can call the Center for Student Counseling and Disability Services at 525-6971 for a consultation regarding your concerns or visit www.ulifeline.org -- an online behavioral support system for young adults -- and click on the SCAD drop-down. Walz is a counselor in the Center for Student Counseling and Disability Services. |
 |
||
