MSU CARE Program

Resources for Faculty, Staff and Parents

Depressed Suicidal Overanxious Grieving Self-Injury
Disruptive Aggressive Threatening Eating Problems Bipolar
Irrational Under the Influence Stalking Relationship Violence Sexual Assault
*All linked information from the Reaching Out Handbook: Resources for Responding to Students in Distress used with permission from Boise State University's Health Services.
MSU CARES ALERT

Back

 

THE STUDENT IN POOR CONTACT WITH REALITY

 

These students have difficulty distinguishing their thoughts and perceptions from reality.  Their thinking is typically illogical, confused, or irrational (e.g., speech patterns that jump from one topic to another with no meaningful connection); their emotional responses may be out of control; and their behavior may appear bizarre and disturbing.  The student may experience hallucinations (often auditory), and may report hearing voices (e.g., statements that someone is threatening to harm or control them).  If you cannot make sense of a student's statements, contact Counseling and Psychological Services as soon as possible.

 

HELPFUL ACTIONS

UNHELPFUL ACTIONS
  • Respond with warmth, kindness, and firm reasoning.
  •  Arguing or trying to convince the student of the irrationality of her or his thinking, as this commonly reinforces the false perception.
  •  Remove extra stimulation from the environment (turn off the radio, step outside of a noisy classroom).
  •  Encouraging further discussion of the delusional processes or playing along with the student's delusion ("Oh, yes, I hear voices, too.")
  • Explain your concerns and assist the student in getting help.  Contact Counseling and Psychological Services as soon as possible.
  •  Demanding, commanding, or ordering the student to do something to change her or his perceptions.
  •  Acknowledge the student's feelings or fears without supporting the misperception ("I understand you think someone is following you, and it must seem real to you, but I don't see anyone.")
  •  Expecting customary emotional responses.
  •  Acknowledge that you are having difficulty understanding the student and ask for clarification.
  • Focus on the here and now. 
 

If there is immediate risk to life or property, call 911.