Crisis ManagementResponding to the needs

of our community

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In a Crisis Situation Please Remember:

• Keep your supervisor informed - Your supervisor has the training required and the institutional “know how” to deal effectively with a crisis

• You are not alone - Ask for help and support any time you feel you need it

Serving as a First Responder• Things to note regarding a student who

may be in - or headed toward - a crisis:– Look for a marked personality change– Take all threats seriously–Document what you hear, see and sense–Always be alert for possible problems– Take care of yourself

Ask for Help• Remember we all need help on occasion• Recognize that even though you have many

strengths, you also have some limitations• Ask for help if you feel you are in over your

head• Let other staff members know that you have

asked for help

Signs That a Student May Be Headed for a Crisis

• Inability to concentrate• Confusion/Disorientation• Persistent worrying• Social withdrawal• Increased irritability• Dangerous behaviors• Bizarre behavior• Missing classes or

assignments

• Procrastination• Restless/Agitation• Marked changes in personal

hygiene• Mood Swings• Indecisiveness• Depression/Suicidal

thoughts• Increased drug/alcohol use

A Student may be in Crisis and Require Immediate Assistance if they Exhibit any of the following:

• Suicidal Ideation and/or behaviors

• Homicidal threats• Threats to harm another

person• Disjointed rambling, slurred

speech• Hallucinations

• Disoriented or bizarre thoughts

• Extreme panic• Extreme manic behavior• Being so drunk or high that

dangerous behavior is imminent

Depression• Depression involves the mind, body, & thoughts

impacting one’s ability to sleep, study, work, eat & enjoy life. These feelings can last for weeks at a time.

• It is estimated that as many as 15% of college students are depressed.

• Depressed students are twice as likely to drop out of college.

Signs of Depression• Persistent sad, anxious or

empty mood• Feeling of hopelessness and

pessimism• Feelings of guilt,

worthlessness, helplessness• Loss of interest in once

loved activities• Decreased energy, fatigue

• Difficulty concentrating or remembering

• Insomnia or oversleeping• Weight loss or gain• Thoughts of death or

suicide• Suicide attempts• Restlessness, irritability• Persistent feeling of illness

or chronic pain

Dysthymia: A less severe form of depression involving long term chronic symptoms that can keep a

person from functioning well

• Abnormal or excessive elation

• Unusual irritability• Decreased need for

sleep• Increased talking• Grandiose notions

• Racing thoughts• Increased sexual desire• Markedly increased

energy• Poor judgment• Inappropriate social

behavior

One in Ten College Students Have Considered Suicide.

Warning Signs Include: • Threatening to hurt or kill

oneself• Looking for ways to kill

oneself• Talking or writing about

death, dying or suicide• Feeling hopeless• Acting reckless• Feeling rage or uncontrolled

anger

• Feeling trapped• Increasing alcohol or drug use• Withdrawing from friends

and family• Feeling anxious, agitated,

unable to sleep or sleeping all the time

• Experiencing dramatic mood changes

• Seeing no reason for living or having no purpose in life

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)SAD is characterized by periods of depressionthat accompany seasonal changes. Symptoms

include:• Depression• Daytime Fatigue• Over Sleeping• Craving Carbs• Weight Gain

Working with Campus and Local PoliceVery often in a time of crisis you will findyourself working close with the campus or localpolice forces: • Introduce yourself as a member of the student staff• Provide any information that might be helpful• Offer to help• Help to respect the privacy of the student(s) involved• Assist other emergency personnel as needed

Working with Campus and Local Police

Make every effort not to:• Interfere with the police investigation or response• Argue with an officer in front of students• Be offended if the officers don’t address or include

you in the situation; when they can they will• Badmouth campus support services or other

emergency personnel

When a Student Needs a Referral

A student needs a referral when:– He/she requests information or help in an area

beyond your expertise– You feel a personality conflict exists between

you and a student– A student is hesitant to discuss an issue with you– You no longer feel you are being effective in

communicating with the student

When Referring a Student it is Important to:

• Inform that student that the referral is being made in his/her best interest

• Make him/her aware of all the resource options available

• Tell him/her that you are not dumping him/her on to another office or staff member

Things to Think About When Making A Referral:

• The more you know about the services and resources on campus the better

• The more you know about the professionals on campus the better

• Students may be anxious about going to an office for the first time

• Students have the right to disagree with your suggestions for getting assistance

Q/A & Discussion