How
can I help my distressed student?
Your Guide to Helping your Student
Signs of Distress to look for:
Academic/Work signs:
- Deterioration in quality of work
- Missing assignments or appointments
- Not attending classes
Physical or Emotional Signs:
- Tearfulness, sadness, anxiety
- Trouble eating or sleeping
- Withdrawing from friends and/or social activities
- Loss of interest in hobbies, work, school
- Feelings of emptiness
- Increased use of alcohol/drugs
- Anger, irritability
- Physical ailments: headaches, nausea, abdominal pain
- Emails or phone conversations that have themes of hopelessness, social isolation, rage or despair.
Please consult with the Counseling Services at (715) 425-3884
Get Help Immediately If You Notice:
- Acting out of control, confused
- Talking openly about wanting to die
- Taking unnecessary or life threatening risks
Express Your Concerns
It can be difficult to see your loved one in distress, but talking to your student shows that you care even if your student has difficulty accepting your concern.
Here’s how you can help:
- Be honest and express your concerns. Talk about the changes you have seen in them. Listen and offer emotional support, understanding and patience
- Convey the message that the student’s distress is real, common and treatable
- Offer to help them get assistance.
- Maintain regular contact
- Help them contact Counseling Services or a helping professional in your community.
- Consult with Counseling Servcies at (715) 425-3884
In An Emergency
If your student needs help or is feeling unsafe, please contact one of the following:
- Call 911 or University University Police (715) 425-3133
- UW River Falls Counseling Services (715) 425-3884
Open 8am-4:30 pm Mon-Fri
Other Helpful Phone Numbers:
Health Concerns
UW River Falls Student Health Services (715) 425-3293
Living/Residential Concerns:
UW River Falls Residence Life (715) 425-4444 email: housing@uwrf.edu
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