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.
Best Practices and Courses of Action to Respond
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
- Texas A&M University Police Department
- University Health Services – Mental Health Services
- Special Situations Team
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
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
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.
Understanding the Situation
- “Can you tell me what’s going on?”
- “How are you feeling right now?”
- “Is there something specific that’s bothering you?”
Show Support
- “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?”
Encourage Communication
- “Can you help me understand what you’re feeling?”
- “When did you start feeling this way?”
- “Has something like this happened before?”
Offer Solutions
- “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?
Ensure Safety
- “Are you feeling safe right now?”
- “Is there anything that’s making you feel unsafe?”
Plan Next Steps
- “What can we do together to make this better?”
- “Who else do you think can help you?”
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.