Supplemental: Supporting Students in Distress

Despite our best efforts to follow trauma-informed and trauma-responsive pedagogy, it is possible that students may experience trauma flashbacks or PTSD flashbacks in the classroom. Consider the following information to prepare yourself for such a situation:

Grounding-1.docx Download Grounding-1.docx Grounding is a set of simple strategies that can help you detach from emotional pain.

Responding to a Student in Distress (1).docx Download Responding to a Student in Distress (1).docx Steps to take to support a student in crisis.

In the moment, there are practical things you can do to support the student as shared by Ronda Hain, the Clinical Intern Supervisor at the SCC Counseling Services:

“With big emotions [such as those that accompany a PTSD flashback], students are often not able to tell the staff how to help them in that moment (though we always need to ask).  Invite them into a smaller, more private space....hallway outside of classroom etc.  Often, they just need a supportive presence and on occasion some help with 'grounding' skills. Knowing just one or two to offer to students in those moments can be helpful."

 

If you notice that students need support, there are proactive steps you may take as well. Note: While some of our refugee and immigrant students come from cultures in which seeking mental health support is not common or stigmatized, it is always a good idea to let students know about the resources that are available to them. 

 

1. Connect Students with Counseling Services

Spokane Community College offers free counseling services to students, including refugee and immigrant students registered in "noncredit" classes in Adult Basic Education. Ronda Hain explains this process:

"Students can call the MH [Mental Health] Health Clinic located inside the Student Health clinic at (509) 533-8611. Charlene Springer who manages the clinic, will take down the student's name, contact information and just a bit about what the students' needs is.  Students will then be contacted by the individual intern therapist when they have some availability on their schedule. The intern therapists and I (Ronda Hein) provide the counseling services.  

Counseling Services at SCC Webpage:  https://scc.spokane.edu/For-Our-Students/Student-Resources/Student-Health-Clinic/Mental-Health Links to an external site. 

 

2. Refer Students to Counseling Services

Staff can also fill out an early alert if they are concerned about the student's well-being and Counseling Services will follow up with the student.