College Students In Distress

This important resource draws from counseling and higher education professionals’ insights to unpack real-life dilemmas of students in distress both inside and outside the classroom, while providing readers with essential tools and recommendations for assisting distressed students. The chapters in Part I examine the impact of emotional and mental health on the college campus, what college campuses are doing to address students’ emotional and mental issues, the potential legal implications when dealing with students, and how faculty can and should approach this challenging topic. Each chapter in Part II includes a case narrative, along with a "Takeaways" section, which outlines and delineates the primary points faculty should consider when facing similar episodes involving distressed students. A "Questions for Reflection" section provides an opportunity for the reader to apply knowledge, reflect on their decision-making, and generate ideas individually or with peers. Helping College Students in Distress is a roadmap providing direction and examples of best practices for Higher Education faculty on the "front lines" in academia.

Be prepared to deal with campus situations that involve students in emotional crisis College Students in Distress provides college personnel with invaluable information on how to identify and refer emotionally troubled students for professional counseling. Dr. Bruce S. Sharkin, a staff psychologist at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania, addresses general warning signs of student distress, symptoms of specific psychological problems such as anxiety and depression, guidelines for interventions, and methods of making a referral for counseling. The book also examines current mental health issues for college students and provides an overview of common campus policies and procedures, such as psychological emergencies, withdrawal and readmission, and mandatory counseling. College Students in Distress provides the answers you need to manage difficult—and potentially dangerous—situations on campus. Case examples based on real-life experiences give you a clear sense of what can happen when responding to students in emotional distress, particularly when dealing with specific issues and student populations, and will help in your efforts to review and/or revise the current practices of your school. This unique book is essential as a resource and referral guide that raises awareness of this growing national problem without being limited to the characteristics of a particular college or university. Topics examined in College Students in Distress include: the impact of mental health problems on academics the roles and functions of college counseling services indicators of emotional disturbance suicidal behavior self-inflicted harm eating disorders guidelines for intervention accommodations for students with psychological disabilities and much more College Students in Distress is a must-read for faculty and staff members, particularly those working in residential life, student health, and public safety, and for administrative offices within student services and student affairs.

Provides college personnel with information on how to identify and refer emotionally troubled students for professional counseling, addressing general warning signs of student distress, symptoms of specific psychological problems such as anxiety and depression, guidelines for interventions, and methods of making a referral for counseling.

College students are subject to a massive input of stresses which require successful and ever-changing coping strategies. These stresses include inside and outside pressures by the world to succeed, financial worries, concerns about uncertain futures, social problems and opportunities since college is often the meeting place for future mates, and homework and tests in multiple and complex subjects requiring preparation and focus with often conflicting priorities. Unsuccessful coping often results in anxiety, heavy drinking, depression and a host of other mental health problems. This new book presents new and important research in this important field.

The chapter authors address life transitions and the university student experience, as well as the challenges of caring for university students with mental health issues. The book has positive strategies, including ways to foster mental health for distinct university student populations.

A primary role of student affairs professionals is to help college students dealing with developmental transitions and coping with emotional difficulties. Becoming an effective helping professional requires the complex integration of intrapersonal, interpersonal, and professional awareness, and knowledge. For graduate students preparing to become student affairs practitioners, this textbook provides the skills necessary to facilitate the helping process and understand how to respond to student concerns and crises, including how to make referrals to appropriate campus or community resources. Focusing on counseling concepts and applications essential for effective student affairs practice, this book develops the conceptual frameworks, basic counseling skills, interventions, and techniques that are necessary for student affairs practitioners to be effective, compliant, and ethical in their helping and advising roles. Rich in pedagogical features, this textbook includes questions for reflection, theory to practice exercises, case studies, and examples from the field.

Going to university or college is supposed to be “the best time of your life” ... but what if it’s not? Research reveals that mental health issues are on the rise among undergrads, but many are not accessing help. If this is relatable, this book is for you. It addresses common sources of distress – including academic, social, parental, and financial pressures – and shows you how to meet those challenges head-on and where to turn for extra support. Packed with self-care strategies, quick tips, and eye-opening facts, this is an indispensable guide for anyone on the path to a degree.

The Guest Editors would like to express their profound gratitude to Dr Isabella Giulia Franzoi for her valuable work in initiating this Research Topic and actively contributing to it.