Mental health issues are common in stressful settings. It is important to recognize the symptoms of mental stress or health issues by observing the following symptoms:
- Significant changes in academic or work performance
- Changes in hygiene, speech, attentiveness or social interaction
- Excessive drinking or drug use
- Severe loss of emotional control
- High levels of irritability
- Impaired speech or garbled/disjointed thoughts
- Excessively morbid, violent or depressing themes in written assignments
- Verbal expression of suicidal or violent thoughts
In the event of overtly threatening behavior constituting an immediate threat to self or others, notify Campus Police. In non‐emergency situations, refer students to the Educational Planning, Completion and Counseling Office:
- Stay calm and unhurried in your response to the person.
- Be empathetic and show your concern.
- Try to sit down with the person, since sitting is a less aggressive posture than standing or moving around.
- Be helpful. Schedule an appointment for a later time, take notes.
- Provide positive feedback such as, “We can get this straightened out,” or “I’m glad you’re telling me how you feel about this.”
- Stay out of arm’s reach.
- Limit eye contact.
- Do not argue, yell or joke.
- Do not touch the person.
Crisis Assessment and Response Evaluation (CARE) Team
San Jacinto College has a Crisis Assessment and Response Evaluation Team and protocol. The CARE Team will evaluate the student and the circumstances and will determine the appropriate action to be taken. The goal of the team is to maintain a healthy and safe environment for the SJC community. More information can be obtained from the Office of the Dean of Compliance and Judicial Affairs.
