Recognizing & Responding to Distress 鈥� Counseling Center

If you are concerned for the immediate safety of yourself and/or others, call 911.

Mental health issues are an increasing concern on our campuses, and this folder has been designed to assist you in supporting students, faculty or staff. You are vitally important in identifying and helping individuals in distress or those at risk for suicide. The information in this folder provides tools for you to recognize individuals in distress and connect them with appropriate resources. You strengthen our community by creating a network of support.

Choose an option to learn more:

Indicators of Distressed Individuals Responding Dos and Don'ts Difference Between Dangerous and Distressed What You Can Say 24-Hour Resources

Distressed Individuals

You may be one of the first people to notice that something is wrong. Although emotional distress may be expected, especially during times of high stress, you may notice that a person is acting out of character or in ways that are inconsistent with typical behavior. Often, a person鈥檚 behavior may cause you to feel worried. You may be a resource in times of difficulty, and your expression of concern may be critical in helping them regain emotional stability. You may also be in a good position to provide referrals and resources so that appropriate interventions can occur.

Indicators of Distress

Physical Indicators

Deteriorating hygiene
Excessive fatigue or irritability
Tearfulness
Slurred or hyperactive speech
Out of touch with reality
Dramatic weight loss
Difficulty eating or sleeping
Disclosure of personal distress
Panic or anxiety attacks
Verbally abusive
Expressions of hopelessness
Concern from others
Depressed mood
Confusion

Academic/Occupational Indicators

Marked changes in behaviors
Undue aggressiveness
Exaggerated emotional response
Isolation from friends, family members or colleagues
Significant decline in performance
Repeated absences or tardiness
Overly demanding of attention
Disruptive behaviors

Responding Do’s & Don’ts

Responding Do’s

Call 911
Stay calm
Trust your intuition
Listen carefully
Take concerns seriously
Take your time
Know your limitations
Consult appropriately
Ask direct questions
Provide resources
Encourage person to access professional support

Responding Don’ts

Ignore the warning signs
Leave the person alone
Minimize the situation
Promise confidentiality
Judge or criticize
Make the problem your own
Involve yourself beyond your limits
Endanger yourself
Argue or try to change the individual’s emotions

Difference Between Distressed & Dangerous

Distressed

Anxious
Sad
Tearful
Withdrawn
Lacks motivation
Seeks frequent attention
Interactions feel more personal and less academic-focused

Dangerous

Behavior is potentially deadly
Conduct is imminently reckless
Behavior is dangerous to self/others
Verbal threats of violence
Intense anger
Intoxication
Intense withdrawal
Discusses weapons/lethal means

24-Hour Resources

If you are concerned for your immediate safety or the immediate safety of others, call 911.

: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
: Text GA to 741741
Georgia Crisis and Access Line: 1-800-715-4225
: 1-800-273-8255
: 1-866-488-7386
: 1-888-843-4564
: Text STEVE to 741741
: Visit website for hotline info

What You Can Say

Here are some examples of what you might say in a conversation with someone who may be distressed. Remember to use language that is natural to you and fits the context of the interaction.

Say What You See

鈥淚 just wanted to check in. I鈥檝e noticed ____________, and wanted to see if you want to talk about it.鈥�
鈥淚鈥檝e noticed ____________ and I want you to know I am here to support you.鈥�
鈥淵ou seem upset today. What鈥檚 going on?鈥�

Show You Care

鈥淚 care about your well-being, so I just wanted to check in to see how you are doing.鈥�
鈥淭hanks for taking time to talk with me. I care about how you鈥檙e doing and want you to know I am here for support.鈥�
鈥淗ow can I be helpful?鈥�

Hear Them Out

Focus on active listening. Demonstrate you are paying attention with phrases like:
- 鈥淲ow, I鈥檇 like to hear more about that.鈥�
- 鈥淲hat is that like for you?鈥�
- 鈥淭hat sounds really hard, how is that affecting your life?鈥�

Know Your Role

鈥淚 wonder if you may find it helpful to seek more specialized support.鈥�
鈥淚 would like to consult a professional to help me know how I can best help you.鈥�

Connect to Help

鈥淚 really think ____________ can address your needs.鈥�

鈥淚 really think you may find ____________ to be a helpful resource.鈥�

鈥淩eaching out to ____________ for the first time can be confusing. Would you like help connecting to [them]?鈥�

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