MSU CARE Program

Resources for Faculty, Staff and Parents

Depressed Suicidal Overanxious Grieving Self-Injury
Disruptive Aggressive Threatening Eating Problems Bipolar
Irrational Under the Influence Stalking Relationship Violence Sexual Assault
*All linked information from the Reaching Out Handbook: Resources for Responding to Students in Distress used with permission from Boise State University's Health Services.
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 THE OVERANXIOUS STUDENT

 

Anxiety is a normal response to a perceived danger or threat to one's well-being.  While everyone suffers from occasional anxiety, sometimes the level of anxiety can become overwhelming.  For some students, the cause of anxiety is clear; for others, it is difficult to pinpoint the reason for their distress.  Regardless of the cause, the student may experience the following symptoms:  rapid heartbeat, chest pain or discomfort, dizziness, sweating, trembling, or shaking.  The student may also complain of having difficulty concentrating, always feeling "on edge," having trouble making decisions, experiencing sleeping problems, feeling unable to complete coursework, or being too afraid to take appropriate action.  In some cases, students may experience a panic attack in which the physical symptoms are so spontaneous and intense they fear they are dying.  The following guidelines are appropriate in most cases.

 

HELPFUL ACTIONS

UNHELPFUL ACTIONS
  •  Let the student discuss her or his feelings and thoughts in an appropriate setting; this alone often relieves a great deal of pressure.
  •  Minimizing the perceived threat to which the student is reacting.
  •  Provide reassurance.
  •  Taking responsibility for the student's emotional state.
  •  Be clear and directive.
  •  Becoming anxious or overwhelmed yourself.
  •  Talk slowly and remain calm.
  •  Discern whether you are able to respond adequately to the student's concerns or if a referral is necessary.
  •  Provide a safe and quiet environment until the symptoms subside.
  •  If appropriate, develop a plan with the student for academic issues within the classroom and make appropriate referrals if needed.
 

If there is immediate risk to life or property, call 911.