VolAware: Distressed Student Protocol

Mental Health Awareness, Wellness & Suicide Prevention

The goal of this protocol is to foster student success and well-being. This protocol was developed as a guide for faculty and staff in helping distressed or distressing students.

Student Behaviors

You may want to refer a student to get help if you observe the following:

• Excessive or inappropriate anger
• Behavioral or emotional change
• Withdrawal
• Change in hygiene or appearance
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Expressing unusual thoughts
• Exhibiting unusual behaviors
• Decline in academic performance

Faculty/Staff Reacactions

• Feeling uncomfortable or uneasy
• Feeling alarmed or frightened
• Feeling that something is not right
• Concern about student’s ability to function
• Worry about student’s comments or behavior

If the student’s behavior represents an immediate threat CALL 911.

If the threat is not immediate, but are you concerned the student may harm self or others call:

• Call (865) 974-HELP (4357)
• This number will be active by August 7, 2008.

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