Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

Helping Someone in Distress

As a member of a university community, there may be times when you feel concerned about a student or friend at Tufts. The following guidelines can help you know when to be concerned and how to approach the person.

Recognize

Everyone experiences distress sometimes. Many may experience one of these signs at different times and are not necessarily in severe distress. However, when someone is experiencing several of these signs—or if they persist—then it may indicate more severe difficulties that warrant professional help.

Academic Indicators

  • Repeated absences
  • Missed assignments, exams, or appointments
  • Deterioration in quality or quantity of work
  • Extreme disorganization or erratic performance
  • Continual seeking exceptions or curricular adjustments
  • Failure to respond to outreach by faculty or staff

Psychological Indicators

  • Observable difficulty in emotional regulation; tearfulness, panic reactions or irritability
  • Disorientated or disconnected with reality
  • Expressions of hopelessness, helplessness or worthlessness
  • Delusions or paranoia
  • Direct statements indicating distress or loss
  • Hostile outbursts or aggressive comments
  • Withdrawn from others, low engagement

Physical Indicators

  • Deterioration in physical appearance or hygiene
  • Excessive fatigue, exhaustion
  • Frequent or chronic illness
  • Disorganized speech, rapid or slurred speech, confusion
  • Unusual inability to make eye contact
  • Behavior out of context or character

Safety Concerns

  • Intoxication or chronic substance use
  • Signs of physical abuse or self-injury
  • Violence or aggression disproportionate to stressor
  • Stalking, bullying, harassing, or intimidating behaviors
  • Direct/Indirect threats to harm to self/others

Relate

Consider the following tips to start a conversation and demonstrate care by sharing your concerns directly with the student. Ensure that you create a private space for this exchange.

Say what you see

  • Stick to the facts
  • Make no assumptions
  • Objectively describe observable behavior
  • Ask if they are OK
  • Proceed without judgment

I’ve noticed that….you missed some classes lately; you are struggling with your note-taking; you seem down recently? Is everything ok?

Hear them out

  • Listen, notice feelings and body language
  • Allow space to be heard
  • Be comfortable with silence or pauses
  • Let them know they are not alone
  • Affirm their feelings

That sounds challenging; It must be very hard to have [context]…while also trying to manage other life demands;

Connect to resources

  • Ask about their current support
  • Ask about their needs
  • Reaffirm your support and care
  • Make a plan to follow up, as appropriate

It sounds like you have been struggling. What are you doing to take care of yourself right now?
Thanks for sharing your story. I am not an expert in this area, but I know who may be able to help. Would it be ok if I put them in contact with you?

Respond

Is the student a danger to self or others or in immediate assistance for any reason?

YES, we need immediate assistance! The student is at immediate risk of harming self or others, is incoherent or unresponsive, is in extreme distress. I do not feel comfortable with the student being alone.

  • Call TUPD at 617-627-6911 if the student is ON CAMPUS or you are unsure of student’s location.
  • Call 9-1-1 if the student is OFF CAMPUS.

NO, but we need some help. This is not an emergency; however, the student is showing signs of distress, and the issue is impacting multiple areas of the student’s life. I am concerned about them and want to get them more help soon. 

  • Assist the student in connecting with Counseling/Health resources:
    • TUFTS Counseling and Mental Health Service (CMHS) at 508.793-7678
      • If after hours, follow the Counselor On-Call prompts
    • Walk student to Student Health Services (M-F 7:30 am – 6:00 pm) – Admin Bldg Suite 103
  • When in doubt, call TUPD at 617-627-6911 to consult.

NO, we’ve got this.  I’m not concerned for the student’s immediate safety, but I believe they are struggling with academic and/or personal issues and could benefit from some additional support.

  • Refer to appropriate campus resources.

Refer

In all cases document your concern and interactions/observations of student(s) by completing a CARE Referral for appropriate support and follow up.