Counselling - Helping Students in Distress

College students often encounter a great deal of stress during the course of their academic experience. While most students cope successfully with the challenges these years bring, an increasing number of students find that the various pressures of life unmanageable. As members of the faculty and staff, you are in an excellent position to recognize behavioral changes that characterize distressed students. A student’s behavior, especially if it is inconsistent with your previous observations, could constitute an inarticulate attempt to draw attention to him or herself and serve as a “cry for help.” Many of these students have not sought out Counseling. Thus, your role is crucial in identifying and referring students who are in distress.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A STUDENT IN DISTRESS

  • Excessive procrastination and very poorly prepared work, especially if this is inconsistent with previous efforts.
  • Infrequent or inconsistent class attendance with little or no work completed.
  • Dependence – the student hangs around you or makes excessive appointments to see you during office hours.
  • Chronic fatigue, lack of energy, or frequently falling asleep in class.
  • Marked change in personal hygiene.
  • Impaired speech or confused, disjointed thoughts.
  • Repeated requests for special consideration (e.g., deadline extensions).
  • Excessive anger or threats to harm others.
  • Behavior that regularly interferes with effective management of your class.
  • Suicidal thoughts – referring to suicide as an option, even if in jest.
  • Marked irritability, including unruly, aggressive, violent, or abrasive behavior.
  • Inability to make decisions despite your repeated attempts to clarify and encourage.
  • Dramatic weight loss or weight gain.
  • Bizarre or strange behavior that is obviously inappropriate to the situation, (e.g., talking to “invisible people”).
  • Normal emotions that are displayed to an extreme degree or for a prolonged period of time (e.g., fearfulness, tearfulness, nervousness).

RESPONDING TO A STUDENT IN DISTRESS

Involve yourself only as far as you are willing to go. At times, in an attempt to reach or help a troubled student, you may become more involved than time or skill permits. It is important to know the boundaries and limitations of your intervention. If you decide to take action, you should follow these guidelines when approaching a distressed student:

  • Discuss your concerns with the student in private.
  • Listen carefully, remembering not to interrupt or talk too much.
  • Show concern and interest.
  • Repeat the essence of what the student has told you.
  • Recognize that the student’s concerns are important to them even though they can seem trivial to others. Avoid criticizing or sounding judgmental.
  • Consider the School Counsellors as a resource and discuss a referral with the student.
  • If the student resists help and you are worried, consult with the Counseling Unit to explore other strategies.
  • Consider informing your Faculty teachers or School Counsellor.
  • Monitor how involved you are becoming. You can be a great resource for students, but it is easy to become overextended with students in need.
  • Cases involving suicidal thoughts/ tendencies/ acts and abuse must be reported immediately to the Faculty teachers or School Counsellor.

HOW TO MAKE A REFERRAL FOR COUNSELING SERVICES

  1. Inform the student that his/her concerns will be kept in the strictest confidence, and suggest that the student schedule an appointment with the school counselors. Provide the student with relevant phone numbers.
  2. Sometimes it is useful or necessary for you to walk with the student to the counselors.
  3. Lastly, if you are concerned about a student but are uncertain about the appropriateness of a referral, feel free to approach your Faculty teachers, School Counsellor or Director/Well-being.

You may also call any of the following agencies for help:

Samaritans of Singapore (for any person in crisis and feeling suicidal)

1800-2214444

Touchline (for people aged 13-25)

1800-3772252

Care Corner Mandarin Counselling Centre (Toa Payoh)

1800-3535800

Child Guidance Clinic (Institute of Mental Health)

64353878

Ministry of Community Development & Sports, Family Support Division

1800-2585463

Students’ Care Services (Clementi Centre)

67786867

Family Service Centres Hotline

1800-8380100

J.C. Integra Consultancy Services (Ms Jesicca Leong Lai Cheng)

98177311

Ong KH Clare Psychological Services Consultancy (Dr Ong Kwee Hiong, Clare)

62595913 / 96182542

Mr Benson Soh (from Gleneagles Hospital)

64737222 / 95500828

CATEGORIES OF CASES

Level 1

Mild relationship problems (Boy-girl, family, peers, teachers etc)

Stress related to studies, coping with JC system etc

Level 2

More serious level 1 cases

Mild depression

Grief/ Loss

Anger issues

Anxiety disorder

Anti-social behaviour

Self mutilation (minor)

School refusal

Eating Disorder

Level 3

More serious level 2 cases

Severe Depression

Abuse (physical, emotional, sexual)

Suicide ideation/ attempt

Gender identity

Sexually inappropriate behaviour

Self mutilation (severe)