Student Stress

A Question of Balance

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Academic• Serious grade problems, or a change from

consistently good grades to unaccountably

poor grades

• Excessive absences, especially if the

student has previously demonstrated good,

consistent class attendance

• Repeated requests for special consideration,

such as deadline extensions, especially if

the student appears highly uncomfortable or

highly emotional disclosing the

circumstances prompting the request

Recognizing a Stressed Student

Physical• Unusual physical appearance

including: a marked change in

personal dress or hygiene

• Sweating (when the room is not

hot)

• Significant increase or decrease

in weight

• Red, swollen eyes

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Social•Withdrawal from activities or

friends.

•Unusual or markedly changed

patterns of interaction, including: • avoiding participation

• excessively anxious when called upon

• dominating discussions,

• being excessively active

• speaking extremely rapidly

• falling asleep in class

•Significant difficulty concentrating,

making decisions, or answering

simple questions

Recognizing a Stressed StudentEmotional• Depressed, lethargic mood

• Significant changes in sleep or

eating patterns

• Perfectionism, procrastination, or

excessive worrying

• Unusual or exaggerated emotional

responses to situations

• Expressed hostility toward you,

friends, parents, classmates, or

others

Helping a Stressed Student

• Reach out

• Listen

• Understand

• Normalize

• De-stigmatize Counselling

It is time to refer the student to counselling when …

• You don’t know how to help the student.

• You feel that the student’s circumstances are overwhelming.

• You feel unable to provide all the support the student needs.

•The student’s struggles leave you feeling helpless and anxious.

• You are spending large amounts of time on the student’s problems.

•There is immediate danger to the student or someone else (i.e. suicide,

homicide, abuse, assault, harassment, etc.). In these situations, it is

important to refer directly to the Head of Pastoral or Counsellor.

When should I refer a student to the counsellor?

Taking Care of Yourself!

The time to relax is when you don't have time for it.

~ Sydney J. Harris

• Reach out to a friend, family member, mentor or spiritual advisor.

• Exercise and engage in physical activity. This can help you work off stress, clear

your head, and improve mood. Start with a few minutes a day and work up to 20-30

minutes every day.

• Eat a healthy diet. Your body needs food in order for your mind to function well.

• Sleep, go to bed and get up at regular times. This routine can help you to regulate

your sleep/wake cycle.

•Limit your caffeine and/or alcohol consumption

•Talk to a professional therapist. Effective help is available.