Identifying Students that Need Assistance

The Anxious Student

Anxiety is a normal response to a perceived danger or threat to one’s well being.  For some students the cause of their anxiety will be clear, but for others it is difficult to pinpoint.  Regardless of the cause, the following symptoms maybe experienced:

• Rapid heart palpitations; chest pain or discomfort
• Dizziness, sweating, trembling or shakiness
• Sweating; cold, clammy hands
• Difficulty concentrating; difficulty making decisions; mind going blank
• Feeling “on edge”; restless; irritable
• Sleep problems; easily fatigued
• Excessive worrying

In some extreme cases, students may experience a panic attack in which the physical symptoms occur so spontaneously and intensely that the student may fear that she/he is dying.

Do:

• Let the student discuss her/his thoughts and feelings.  Often this conversation alone relieves a great deal of pressure.
• Provide reassurance.
• Be clear and directive.
• Provide a safe and quiet environment until the symptoms subside (refer student to Health Center SSC 177 for resting room).
• Offer to assist the student with a referral for on-campus personal counseling.

Don’t:

• Minimize the perceived threat to which the student is reacting.
• Take responsibility for the student’s emotional state.
• Overwhelm the student with information or ideas to “fix” her/his condition.