+ Recognizing and Helping Students in Distress
+ Student edition‌
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A Guide for Students
The college years can be a time of discovery and excitement. However, at the same time, many changes occur that can be stressful. The typical college student is faced with changes in living situations, friendships, family relationships, and academic requirements. For some, these changes are overwhelming. Other students adjust well to these changes, but still experience struggles with emotions and behavior. Unfortunately, many college students do not know how to recognize their distress or where to go for help. This guide provides a list of indicators often displayed by students in distress, as well as a list of available resources. For more information, please contact the Dean’s Office at 817-257-7926 or the Counseling, Testing, and Mental Health Center at 817-257-7863.
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What to Look For: Behavioral Indicators: • Direct or indirect statements indicating distress, family problems or other difficulties • Anger or hostility that seems unprovoked • Threatening others in person or via the internet • Impulsive behavior, acting out • More withdrawn or more animated than usual • Distorted thinking or deterioration of cognitive functioning • Tearfulness
• Isolation, seeing student on campus frequently alone • Extreme amount of time spent on the internet • Expressions of hopelessness •
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or worthlessness Expressions of concern for the student by his or her peers Statements to the effect that the student is “going away for a long time” Giving away possessions A hunch or gut-level feeling that something is wrong 3
Physical Indicators • Deterioration in physical appearance • Lack of personal hygiene • Excessive fatigue • Visible changes in weight • Attending class bleary-eyed, intoxicated or smelling of alcohol/ drugs • Signs of self injurious/ selfdestructive behavior such as scars from cutting on arms • Severe depression • Any behavior which seems out of control
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What You Can Do By using the above indicators you will be in a good position to help recognize a friend who may be in distress. You can discuss your observations with the student and also contact helping resources on campus
Contact On-Campus Resources TCU Police If you have concerns about a student’s imminent safety- notify Campus Police immediately (817) 257-7777 Campus Life- Dean’s Office (817) 257- 7926 This office is often in the best position to gather information from a variety of sources. Campus Life can also initiate a psychological evaluation if there is sufficient concern TCU Counseling Center (817) 257-7863 You can always discuss your concerns with a Counselor in the Counseling Center. You can also suggest that your friend talk about their situation with a Counselor as well. Housing & Residence Life (8187) 257- 7862 If you are a residential student- contact your Hall Director and/or Residence Assistant. These staff members are trained on providing assistance in dealing with these situations and can also speak with your friend and refer them to the appropriate resource.
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On- Campus Resources
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TCU Police
Alcohol & Drug Education
www.cap.tcu.edu
www.ade.tcu.edu
257-7777
257-7100
Campus Life
Office of Religious and Spiritual Life
www.campuslife.tcu.edu
www.faith.tcu.edu
257-7926
257-7830
Counseling Center
Center for Academic Services
www.counseling.tcu.edu
www.acs.tcu.edu
257-7863
257-7486
Health Center
Housing and Residence Life
www.healthcenter.tcu.edu
www.rlh.tcu.edu
257-7940
257-7862
Off- Campus Resources
Fort Worth Police*………….….......335-4222 Crisis Intervention*…….……….…..927-5544 Family Service **…………….……..927-8884 John Peter Smith Hospital*……..…921-3431 Mental Health Association……..….335-5405 MHMR………………………..……...335-3022 Rape Crisis Center*…….……..…...927-2737 Safe Haven*...…………….………...535-6464 FWPD Victim Assistance Unit …....392-4390 Tarrant County District ……....…...884-2740 Victim Assistance
* Services available 24 hours a day ** Offers sliding scale fees for the community
All numbers listed are in area code 817
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This publication was prepared by the Deans’ Office and the Counseling, Testing, and Mental Health Center