The Daily Bulletin Archive

While most students cope successfully with the stressors of college and life, for some, the pressures can become overwhelming and unmanageable. A trustworthy and caring faculty or staff member may be a potential resource for our students. We offer the guidelines below for dealing with students in distress. Please call the Counseling Center at ext. 4436 for additional information or if you wish to consult about a student of concern. The Counseling Center is located on the second floor of Weigel Health Center.

Please visit the Counseling Center's website for information about Buffalo State Cares, our suicide-prevention initiative, and Information for Faculty and Staff.

The Dean of Students Office (ext. 4618) and the Care Team are available for online reporting about students of concern so that a follow-up can be made. If you are interested in learning more, please click here and save this link: Accessing Suicide Prevention Training for Faculty

Any time there is an urgent situation, for example, one involving violence, danger, or suicide, call University Police at (716) 878-6333 immediately. Police officers are available 24 hours a day every day.

At one time or another, everyone feels depressed or upset. We can identify three general levels of distress that, when present over time, suggest that a person is having trouble successfully managing stress.

Level 1

• Serious grade problems or a change from consistently good grades to poor performance.
• Excessive absences, especially if the student has had previously demonstrated good, consistent class attendance.
• Unusual or markedly changed pattern of interaction, for example, totally avoiding participation, becoming excessively anxious when called upon, dominating discussions, etc.
• Other characteristics, including a depressed, lethargic mood; being excessively active and talkative (very rapid speech); swollen, red eyes; marked change in personal dress or hygiene; sweating (when room is not hot); and falling asleep inappropriately.

Level 2

• Repeated requests for special consideration, such as deadline extensions, especially if the student appears uncomfortable or highly emotional disclosing the circumstances prompting the request.
• New or regularly occurring behavior that pushes the limits of decorum and interferes with effective management of the immediate environment.
• Unusual or exaggerated emotional response that is obviously inappropriate to the situation.

Level 3

• Highly disruptive (hostile, aggressive, violent, etc.). Inability to communicate clearly (garbled, slurred speech; unconnected or disjointed thoughts).
• Loss of contact with reality (seeing/hearing things that "aren't there," exhibiting behavior or expressing beliefs that are greatly at odds with reality or probability).
• Homicidal threats.
• Overtly suicidal thoughts (referring to suicide as a current option).

Behavioral signs of suicide risk include:

• Feelings of hopelessness, intense sadness, apathy. Sudden mood swings, outbursts of anger.
• Self-deprecation, feelings of worthlessness.
• Inappropriate behavior, aggressive acts, disobedience, rebelliousness.
• Expressions of suicidal thoughts, death themes.
• Giving away valued possessions, seeming "in control" of life, making final plans.
• Changes in sleeping or eating patterns.
• Withdrawal from family, friends, activities once enjoyed. Disinterest in appearance or health. Self-destructive behavior.
• Substance abuse, criminal activity. Inability to concentrate.
• Lack of energy, passiveness, allowing others to take advantage of him or her.
• Excessive feelings of guilt.
• Rapid weight gain or loss.

What Can You Do?

Level 1 behaviors, although not disruptive to others, may indicate that something is wrong and that help may be needed. Level 2 behaviors may indicate significant emotional distress, but also a reluctance or inability to acknowledge a need for more personal help. Level 3 behaviors usually show a student in obvious crisis who needs emergency care and requires immediate intervention. You must remain calm and know whom to call for help. Telephone numbers for assistance and emergency referrals are listed below:

Counseling Center
219 Weigel Health Center
(716) 878-4436

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Thursday: 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Weigel Health Center
(716) 878-6711

• Monday–Thursday: 8:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
• Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Please note these other important 24-hour emergency/crisis phone numbers where counselors are available 24 hours a day every day:

• Crisis Services of Erie County (716) 834-3131
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)
• University Police (716) 878-6333