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.
