If you are in an emergency situation that requires medical, psychological, or police services, call 911. This reporting website is not a system to be used for emergencies.
RESPOND
RESPOND
Best Practices and Courses of Action to Respond
Understanding how to respond to concerning behaviors is crucial. Individuals need safe spaces to express themselves, and their distressing behaviors can cause fear in others. Psychological fear arises from perceived threats, even without physical danger. Balancing our own fear is key to effectively addressing these issues. If there is an immediate need for action, dial 911. Do your due diligence and report the concern, whether in doubt or aware that someone else has reported the concern.
The information below helps with understanding behavior and outlines support options:
Best Practices
- Ask the person to leave if disruption occurs
- Speak with the person privately
- Defuse the situation by expressing concern
- Listen with care
Contact
- Student Community Standards
- College/School Dean's Office
- Student Life
Best Practices
- Speak with the person privately
- Ask open-ended questions to help identify problems
- Encourage meeting with a counselor or a physician
- If a student is in distress, walk them to UHS-Mental Health Services
Contact
- University Health Services
- Student Life
- Texas A&M University Police Department
Best Practices
- If student is in classroom and poses danger, dismiss class and contact UPD.
- Speak calmly, defuse by asking questions, if the person does not pose immediate threat
- Walk to UHS-Mental Health Services if safety is not in jeopardy.
Contact
- Texas A&M University Police Department
- University Health Services - Mental Health Services
- Special Situations Team
Best Practices and Courses of Action to Respond
Appropriately responding to concerning behavior is key to a safe, supportive campus. Distress may not always pose immediate danger but can still cause fear—often based on perceived, not physical, threats. Managing our own reactions helps us better support others. If someone appears to be in immediate danger, call 911. Even if you’re unsure or think someone else has reported it, sharing your observations ensures a more complete understanding of the situation.
The matrix below helps with understanding behavior and outlines support options:
Disruptive |
Distress |
Threatening |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Best Practices |
|
|
|
Contact |
|
|
|
Should I Call 9-1-1?
Understanding Anxiety and Psychological Fear
Fear is a natural response to real or perceived threats, triggering the brain's "Fight, Flight, or Freeze" mechanism. This response increases arousal, releases endorphins, and causes physical changes, signaling danger and prompting defensive action. Hardwired for survival, fear helps protect us by preparing the body to face or escape threats.
Psychological fear develops when a situation is perceived as a threat, despite no physical danger. This belief triggers the brain's "Fight, Flight, or Freeze" response, activating the endocrine system. The individual may experience heightened anxiety, catastrophize the situation, and overestimate danger, resulting in excessive fear without an actual threat.
Reducing psychological fear involves recognizing it as a bias toward fear without a physical threat. By identifying it as an internal response, individuals can begin regulating their anxiety and reactions effectively.
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present, focusing on the "now" rather than past regrets or future "what-ifs." By paying attention to our senses – what we see, feel, and think – and immediate experiences, we reduce anxiety, fear, and overwhelm, preventing a fight-or-flight response.
Situational awareness enhances personal safety by helping us perceive, understand, and respond to our environment. It involves being present, analyzing potential threats (e.g., someone following us), and taking appropriate action, such as avoiding danger or choosing a different route. Below are some steps for developing situational awareness:
- Focus and be in the moment
- Take in information via your senses – what do you see, hear, etc?
- Put away your phone, tablet, book
- Avoid wearing headphones or earbuds in both ears
- Walk down the street with your head up as people pass by
- Think ahead about what may need to be done if a threat exists
- Look for exits
- Limit distractions
- Notice what people are doing
- Have your keys in your hand while walking to the car
- Avoid isolated and/or dark areas
- Park in highly visible, well-lit areas
Speaking with People in Distress
Approaching someone in distress can feel challenging, but your presence and empathy can make a significant difference. Creating a space where individuals feel psychologically safe encourages them to express their concerns and seek support. Maintaining your own composure and managing personal emotions are crucial in providing effective assistance. Your calm demeanor not only offers reassurance but also models healthy coping strategies. The following questions and tips can help initiate conversation that support others.
Start the Conversation
- “Can you tell me what’s going on?”
- “How are you feeling right now?”
- “Is there something specific that’s bothering you?”
- “What can I do to help you right now?”
- “Would you like to take a break and talk about it?”
- “Is there someone you’d like to talk to?”
- “Can you help me understand what you’re feeling?”
- “When did you start feeling this way?”
- “Has something like this happened before?”
- “What do you think might help you calm down?”
- “How do you usually handle situations like this?”
- “What have you done in the past that helped in similar situations?
- “Are you feeling safe right now?”
- “Is there anything that’s making you feel unsafe?”
- “What can we do together to make this better?”
- “Who else do you think can help you?”
Tips for De-esculation
Stay Calm: Your calm demeanor can help calm the person.
Active Listening: Show that you are listening by nodding and maintaining eye contact.
Empathy: Validate their feelings by acknowledging their emotions
Respect Personal Space: Keep a comfortable distance to avoid making them feel cornered or threatened.
Positive Reinforcement: Encourage them by acknowledging any positive steps they take to calm down.
Best practices for "Warm Referrals"
Responding and referring builds a bridge between the person in need of support and those who can help.
Walk the person to the referral office. Offer to walk the person to the appropriate resource. A “warm hand-off” can help facilitate the referral and support the referred individual through coordinated care and introductions.
Speak to the referral resource prior to meeting with the individual referred. This provides you an opportunity to discuss your concern, identify reasons for the referral, and provide contact information if the referral resource wants to follow-up with you.
Offer to go online and assist the individual in scheduling an appointment. By going online with the person, you can assist site navigation and ensure they are able to schedule a timely appointment.