As a faculty and/or staff member, you have contact with many students, and you may be in a position to identify and assist those who may need help.
If you encounter a student whose behavior concerns you, we can help. For quick reference, this faculty staff resources guide on how to help a student in distress, was created give you practical information should you be concerned about a student’s thoughts or actions.
You may be surprised to know that data from the latest USD administration of the National College Health Assessment found that at some point over the past academic year:
- 32% of our students identified stress as the chief factor affecting academic performance
- 27% of our students felt so depressed it was difficult to function
- 23% of our students reported having been diagnosed and/or treated for a mental health condition and 6% seriously considered suicide
Based on data collected in 2016 and 2014, we’ve detailed the top ten factors that impact academic performance in USD students.
Stress 
Sleep Difficulties 
Anxiety
Cold/Flu/Sore Throat
Extracurricular Activities
Work
Concern for Troubled Friend/Family
Relationship Difficulty
Alcohol Use
Depression
The units within the Student Wellness Area (Center for Health and Wellness Promotion, Counseling Center, Disability and Learning Difference Resource Center and the Student Health Center) consistently provide a range of professional services to assist students who may be struggling.
Despite the many resources available, one of the reasons some of our students experience difficulties is because they are afraid to ask for help or do not know where to turn. We believe that by educating people throughout the University community on the signs and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other common mental health concerns, we can increase the likelihood that students will get the help that they need.
If you would like to learn more about the challenges facing our students and the available resources to help them, please contact us today.
If you would like to receive additional information about USD resources or how to assist students in need, you can arrange for a presentation to any group of faculty or staff by completing a presentation request with all of the details about your group or by emailing the Center for Health and Wellness Promotion at chwp@sandiego.edu.
*Data was retrieved in a campus-wide survey, ACHA-National College Health Assessment II (ACHA-NCHA II). The NCHA is collected at USD every other year. The 2014 data is a representative sample of 2,050 students who took the survey in the fall semester.