PSYCHOLOGICAL EMERGENCIES
A person in psychological crisis may exhibit some of these indications:
-Crying.
-Extreme withdrawal from outside stimuli (despondent).
-Agitated or aggressive behavior.
-Unusual outbursts or disoriented statements.
-Behavior or emotions inconsistent with his/her normal behavior.
Always contact College Police by dialing 911 from a College phone if you encounter violent and/or threatening behavior, or if a person’s health appears to be in danger. When in doubt, call College Police to come and evaluate the person. Always err on the side of safety.
To avoid escalation when dealing with a person in psychological crisis, the following tips may be helpful:
-Remain calm and rational—do not overreact.
-Be empathetic—listen without judging others.
-Clarify messages—listen and reflect back what is said.
-Direct attention to the issue at hand—ignore challenges.
-Permit verbal venting—allow the individual to release as much energy as possible by venting. State reasonable limits during lulls in the venting.
-Avoid physical techniques—physical intervention can escalate the situation.
-Keep non-verbal cues non-threatening—body language, movement, and tone of voice send more messages than what you say.
-Set and enforce reasonable limits—set boundaries for you personally. State them clearly and concisely. Enforce the limits fairly and firmly.
-Refer the student to a counselor in the Counseling Services Department for further assistance and guidance.