Worried About Someone?

Maladaptive coping strategies may temporarily reduce stress, but they may cause more damage in the long term. Look out for these behaviors, as they can often be a symptom of underlying distress.

• Excessive Smoking
• Use of drugs or alcohol
• Overeating or undereating
• Engaging in risky/impulsive behaviors
• Excessive use of electronic devices
• Evidence of self-injury
• Withdrawing from friends/family
• Lack of interest in or avoidance of previously pleasurable activities
• Sleeping too much/falling asleep during class
• Taking out stress on others (lashing out, angry outbursts, physical violence)
• Communicating problems extensively in essays or emails

• Give your full attention.
• Don’t try to have a private conversation if there are other people waiting to talk with you.
• Be mindful of non-verbals. 
• Express your concerns in behavioral, specific, non-judgmental terms.
• Listen first. Don’t assume you know what the other person is going to say, even if you may feel as though you have heard it all. Each person is unique and wants to feel heard.
• Focus on being an active listener and less on what you will say next.
• Validate and acknowledge the person with attending behaviors, even if you don’t agree, you are communicating that you are listening and understanding what the person is trying to say.
• Communicate understanding by summarizing what the person has said.
• Avoid judging, evaluating, or criticizing. Accept and respect the person’s point of view even if you disagree with it.

It is important to refer any concerning or disturbing behaviors you notice or become aware of when working with a student.