Teaching Strategies and Techniques

Tips from the Pros: Advice for Dealing with Stressed and Anxious Students

By Rob Kelly
October 3, 2014

Ken Einhaus, a project manager at the Center for Applied Research Solutions, offers dos and don'ts for dealing with online learners exhibiting a variety of mental health crises.

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Ken Einhaus, a project manager at the Center for Applied Research Solutions, offers dos and don'ts for dealing with online learners exhibiting a variety of mental health crises, including the following for dealing with stressed and anxious students:

Listen sincerely.
Provide appropriate reassurance and a safe and quiet environment until the symptoms decrease.
Be calm, clear, and directive.
Encourage the student to get help by talking with a counselor, attending a stress management workshop, or consulting various online resources.
Don't minimize the severity of the student's symptoms or perceived threat.
Don't take responsibility for the student's emotional state.
Don't overwhelm the student with ways to “fix” his or her situation.

Reference: Einhaus, Ken. “Responding to Difficult or Distressed Online Students: Mental Health Assessment and Referrals.” Accessed September 22, 2014 at http://cccstudentmentalhealth.org/docs/CCCSMHP-Online-Students-MH-Assessments-Referrals.pdf.