How to Help a Student Who Is Stressed

Stress is common in the lives of most people, often coming and going throughout the year, and varying in nature. Students deal with a number of school-related pressures and challenges, while constantly feeling judged, evaluated and the need to compete. Stress can cause students to fall into a cycle where stress causes poor performance, which causes new stress. Teachers or professors who recognize when students are dealing with stress have the opportunity to help them, while making sure that grades reflect students' academic ability and not their mental state.

Instructions

• 1

  Recognize when students are dealing with stress and acknowledge this awareness by letting the student know you care. Ask the student whether he would like to discuss the issue that suggests he is experiencing stress. Share the observed stress indicators with the student, if appropriate. For example, if a student has a sudden change in behavior or academic performance, or is disruptive, address it with him.

• 2

  Talk to the stressed student. Listen intently to what he says, being sure to give the student 100 percent attention. Set boundaries with the student, but avoid taking a "superior" approach to the relationship.

• 3

  Ask the student whether the stress is new or whether he has dealt with it in the past successfully. For example, students who become stressed during the same time each semester, may have developed a coping mechanism. Encourage the student to use past coping methods that worked.

• 4

  Direct the stressed student to resources. Suggest that the student visit the school counseling center or see her physician. Remind the student of her social network and campus organizations that provide opportunity for relaxation and stress relief.

• 5

  Create a positive learning environment. Be accessible to students and avoid intimidating them or making them afraid of you. Tell students you want them to be successful and take advantage of opportunities to boost their self-esteem. Students deal with a number of stressors, and while some are avoidable and others are not, teachers or professors should not be the cause of their stress.

• 6

  Tolerate temporary deviance from the schedule if the student's situation warrants it. Encourage the student to keep up with course-work and follow a daily routine that includes attending all classes. While students should keep up with current work, consider making an exception that allows the student to get caught up if they are suffering academically due to significant stress. For example, if a student is stressed because his mother just died, it may be difficult for this student to perform academically for a short time.

• 7

  Watch for clues or warning signs that suggest the student is in some kind of trouble or has safety concerns. Reassure the students safety and address troublesome behavior. If troublesome behavior persists or is threatening, report the behavior according to school policy.