Presented by:
Nancy Mickelson
Campus Counselor
Mental Health
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 Mental Health is clearly linked to retention and academic
performance (Backels &Wheeler, 2001)
 Mental Health issues interfere with student success more
than ever before. A rising number of students are coping
with depression, anxiety, and over all stress.
 Statistics for MSU Counseling Center: For this semester
alone, have seen roughly 40 NEW students
Why are students so anxious and
depressed?
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 Today’s students deal with cross-cultural issues, family
dysfunction, poor frustration tolerance, experimentation with
drugs/alcohol, and weak interpersonal attachments (Kitzrow,
2003) (ND is #1 in the Nation for binge drinking)
 Students lead “hyper-enriched lives” with their cell phones,
computers, classes, jobs, sports, travel, volunteer work, etc.
 Academic “unreadiness” may also play a role. Inadequate
study habits create enormous stress and anxiety for students.
 All of this is too much to handle for some students
 The majority of initial visits at MSU Counseling Center is for
stress and anxiety issues.
Signs of Distress
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 Noticeable change in academic performance or
behavior…..
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Poor performance or preparation
Excessive absences or tardiness
Repeated requests or special consideration
Avoiding participation
Dominating discussions
Excessively anxious when called upon
Disruptive behavior
Exaggerated emotional response that is obviously
inappropriate for the situation.
Signs of Distress
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 Unusual Behavior or Appearance…
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Depressed or lethargic mood
Hyperactivity or very rapid speech
Deterioration in personal hygiene or dress
Dramatic weight loss or gain
Strange or bizarre behavior indicating loss of contact
with reality. Examples?
Signs of Distress
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 References to Emotional or Life Stressors….
Problems with roommate, family, or spouse
Experiencing a death of a significant other or pet
Experiencing physical or sexual assault
Experiencing discrimination based on gender, race,
religion, sexual orientation, or disabilities.
 Experiencing legal issues
 Any other problem or situation that is experienced as a
loss or stress
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Signs of Distress
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 References to Suicide, Homicide or Death…
 Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
 Verbal or written references to suicide
 Isolation from friends, family, and classmates
What can you do?
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 TALK….
 Talk to the student in private when both of you have the
time and are not rushed or preoccupied. Give the student
your undivided attention. It is possible that just a few
minutes of effective listening on your part may be enough
to help the student feel cared about as an individual and
more confident about what you do.
 If you have initiate contact, express your concern in
behavioral, nonjudgmental terms. For example…”I’ve
noticed you’ve been absent from class lately and I’m
concerned” rather than “Where have you been lately? You
should be more concerned about your grades.”
What can you do?
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 LISTEN….
 Listen to thoughts and feelings in a sensitive, nonthreatening way.
 Communicate understanding by repeating back the
essence of what the student has told you for example
“it sounds like you are not accustomed to such a big
campus and you’re feeling left out of things.”
 Let the student talk
What can you do?
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 GIVE HOPE….
 Assure the student that things can get better
 It is important to help them realize there are options, and
that things will not always seem this hopeless
 Suggest resources such as friends, family, or campus
counselor.
 Other resources such as Disability Services, Student Health,
tutoring, mentoring, and the wellness programs can also be
terrific assets for students struggling with stress.
 Remember, your purpose should be to provide enough
hope to enable the student to consult with a counselor, not
to solve the student’s problems
What can you do?
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 MAINTAIN….
 Maintain clear and consistent boundaries and
expectations.
 It is important to maintain the professional nature of
the faculty/student relationship and the consistency of
academic expectations, exam schedules, etc.
 You may be able to help the student understand their
options related to dropping a class, etc.
What can you do?
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 REFER…
 Consider referring a student when you’re doing more
“personal counseling” than “academic advising”.
 Recognizing and referring students in trouble is one of the
very best things advisors can do!
 When making a referral it is important to point out that help
is available and seeking such help is a sign of strength and
courage rather than a sign of weakness and failure.
 It may be helpful to point out that seeking professional help
for other problems such as medical, legal, car problems, etc.
is considered good judgment.
When is a referral
appropriate?
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 The problem is more serious than you feel
comfortable or capable dealing with
 You are extremely busy or experiencing stress in
your own life
 You have talked to the student and helped as much
as you can
 You feel that your personal feeling about the student
would interfere with your ability to be helpful
 The student admits that there is a problems but does
not want to talk to you about it
HOW TO REFER
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 If you notice any of the warning signs, inform the student
in a straight forward, matter-of-fact manner of your
concern.
 Be specific regarding the behavior patterns you have
observed.
 At this point, suggest that he/she consider personal
counseling and refer the student to the Counseling
Center. In urgent or crisis situations, you may even want
to accompany the student to the Counseling Center.
 Remind the student that counseling services are free and
confidential.
When in doubt…
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 Contact the campus counselor at 858-3371 or
nancy.mickelson@minotstateu.edu . Office hours are
M-F 8-4:30 year round
 Or utilize iCARE…
 http://www.minotstateu.edu/icare/
iCARE…what is it?
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 Minot State University's Intervention, Concern, And Response Effort
 What is iCARE?
 A committee on campus that receives submissions and provides referral to
support services for students in an effort to increase student success
 What does iCARE do?
 Collects information regarding incidents of concern from across the MSU
campus
 What is my role in iCARE?
 Provide information about any incidents of concern that you observe or
that are brought to your attention. If you are questioning if your
information is important—submit it! Your information could be the piece
of the puzzle that lets us see the entire picture.
 http://www.minotstateu.edu/icare/
Questions?
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 References:
 Penn State Erie, The Behrend College; Students in
Distress: A guide for Faculty and Staff
 Mental Health Issues in Student Advising