Remember I-C-U (“I see you”)
- Identify the signs of distress
- Connect with the person experiencing distress
- Understand the way forward together
IDENTIFY Signs of Distress
If someone is crisis (is an immediate danger to themselves or others), get them connected to a crisis resource immediately.
There can be many signs that someone may be in distress:
- Academic indicators
- Sudden decline in quality of work and grades
- Repeated absences
- Not turning in assignments
- Physical indicators
- Sleep problems/fatigue
- Change in appetite or weight
- Disoriented
- Headaches/stomach problems
- Psychological indicators
- Self-disclosure of personal distress that could include family problems, financial difficulties, depression, grief, or thoughts of suicide
- Excessive tearfulness, panic reactions, irritability, or unusual apathy
- Expressions of concern about the student by his/her/their peers
- Feeling out of control
- Mood swings
- Sadness/depression
- Irritability or agitation
- Extreme worry, fear, or anxiety
In addition to identifying the signs of distress, you also want to identify the level of distress.
CONNECT with the Person Experiencing Distress
Start a conversation with them. You could use phrases like:
- “I’ve been noticing _____. What’s been going on?”
- “How have you been feeling?”
- “You haven’t seemed like yourself lately. What’s up?
- Truly listen to the student and be present with them
- Show that you care by expressing empathy
UNDERSTAND the Way Forward Together
- Help them develop a plan for the next action
- Focus on the most pressing concern
- Connect the student to a resource. You may want to walk with them to the resource or call the resource together if they don’t feel comfortable on their own.
- Follow-up with them after to see if they followed through on the referral
A counselor is available to consult about students, provide referrals to campus departments, and follow-up as appropriate. If immediate attention is needed, call Campus Safety (801-240-2771).
If you have concern for a student or wish to report misconduct, the Dean of Students is also happy to take your report and will respond appropriately.