When to Refer

When personal issues arise in the course of a student’s Academic life, there are some indicators which suggest the time to refer to The Counselling and Personal Development Service.

• When a significant amount of time is been given to addressing the personal issue.
• When you are unsure of what to do or how to respond.
• When you feel out of your depth.
• When the situation is depleting you of your own emotional resources.
• When you are worried about the student's safety.
• When you are covering the same ground with the student again and again.
• When no change is evident.
• When your suggestions are constantly rejected.
• If you feel the student is becoming too dependent on you.

Common Signs of Student Distress

Problems in academic performance

• Dramatic drop in grades
• Incapacitating test anxiety
• Sporadic class attendance or protracted absences
• Inability to focus/procrastination
• Loss of motivation
• Crippling feelings of inadequacy and expectation of failure

Unusual Behaviour

• Extreme weight loss or gain
• Nonsensical or incessant talking
• Marked lack of response to normally upsetting events
• Frequent expression of fear or overwhelming anxiety
• Extreme suspicion or irrational feelings of persecution
• Unexplained crying or outbursts of anger
• Obsessive thoughts
• Abuse of alcohol or drugs

Significant Life Changes and Crises

• Relationship split up
• Death or illness of family member or close friend
• Separation of parents
• Problems with family members/ friends

How to refer