Students frequently experience a great deal of stress (i.e.,
academic, social, financial) during their university careers. Many students successfully
cope with these pressures, but some find themselves overwhelmed. Because emotional
distress typically interferes with a student’s academic performance and/or
social interactions, faculty and staff are often in good positions to recognize
students who are in trouble. You will not be able to spot every student, nor
will every student you approach be willing to accept your assistance. Nevertheless,
by communicating interest and concern to a distressed student, you may play an
important role in helping that student regain the emotional balance needed to
cope with stress.
Students have a variety of resources to turn to in times of difficulty—family,
friends, clergy, and others. Students may turn to you because of your position
and the respect they hold for you as a faculty or staff member. Through your
regular interactions with students, you may also be the first to recognize that
a student may be experiencing emotional/adjustment difficulties.
Much of the stress that students experience is related to the developmental tasks
of this life phase. Please remember, however, that major mental illnesses often
manifest initially when people are in their 20’s. Some of the observable
signs may indicate the beginning of serious psychological problems.
