Student in Emotional Distress

Roanoke College Community Guidelines

Early Detection and Intervention for Students in Emotional Distress

The college years are a period of change in an individual’s life. These changes are sometimes stressful. Financial worries, academic challenges, leaving home and being on one’s own for the first time can contribute to stressful transitions to college life. In most cases, students are able to successfully adapt to the transition

with the help of friends, family and the Roanoke College faculty and staff. If someone in the college community seems in emotional distress, depressed or showing other signs of emotional problems, please contact a college staff person at one of the numbers below so that counseling services or other help can be provided.

Signs of On-going Distress

• Sudden unexplained changes in behavior or demeanor

• Nervousness or agitation

• Infrequent class attendance

• Indecisiveness, confusion or fearfulness

• Lack of energy

• Marked change in personal hygiene and appearance

• Withdrawal from or lack of interest in usual activities

• Increased irritability or undue aggressive behavior

• Talk of harm to self or others or indications of self harm

• Prolonged depressed state

• Bizarre, alarming or dangerous behavior

• Significant personal problems dealing with family, finances or relationships

• Increased alcohol or drug use

RC Counseling Center – 375-2302 Residence Life – 375-2305

Chaplains Office – 375-2300 Student Health Services – 375-2286

Violence Prevention

Any talk of self harm, threats of violence or indications of volatile behavior needs to be taken seriously and reported to campus officials immediately.

Keep Campus Safety and Residence Life staff aware of any situation or personal / relationship problems that have the potential to lead to violence.

If you know of an off-campus situation involving a member of the college community that could result in violence and spill over onto the campus, please inform Campus Safety or the Salem Police Department.

· Get help for yourself or anyone you know who appears to be a victim of abuse or violence.

Office of Campus Safety – 375-2310 Salem Fire, Police & Rescue - 911