Reality Check Fact #1:

Most PSU students “party” less than 2 nights each week.

Fact taken from 2009 NH Higher Education on line Alcohol and Drug Survey at PSU

Disclaimer

The contents of this Web site and the resources linked to it are intended for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing you read on this Web site is meant to diagnose, substitute for, or otherwise replace actual face-to-face professional counseling.

Read full disclaimer >>

Common Signs of Distress

The following are some commons signs of basic psychological distress or indicators that students are having a problem with alcohol or drug use.

  • A drop in class attendance
  • Coming late to class or sleeping in class
  • A generally sad or tense appearance
  • Inappropriate responses such as talking off the subject or rambling
  • Appearing to be hung over
  • Having a strong odor of marijuana or alcohol

Depression

It is normal to get depressed from time to time.  A student who shares a concern about an inability to concentrate, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, a decrease in social activity, or a decrease in grades may be experiencing something more serious.

Unusual Acting Out

Acting out would represent a change in behavior from normal, socially-appropriate behavior and might include being disruptive or overly antagonistic.  It may also include increased alcohol or drug use.

Suicidal Ideation

Any message that indicates a person “wishes they weren’t there” should be taken seriously.  Often students who are feeling suicidal will talk about death or express suicidal feelings in papers or journals.

Example One:

A student comes into your office and begins to describe problems that are interfering with his/her academic work.  What could you do?  At a break in the conversation, you might say: “It sounds as though you have been under stress, aren’t doing very well and need to talk to someone about this.  What do you think about that?”  It might be helpful for you to call someone at the Counseling Center and help the student go through the process of making an appointment.

Example Two:

A student misses classes on Mondays and Fridays, looks disheveled and may occasionally smell like alcohol or pot.  What should you do?  Contact the Counseling Center to express your concern and discuss ways to intervene.  Often, if a student knows someone noticed, it will change his/her behavior.

In Plymouth Magazine

Example Image

Faculty Forum: Irene Cucina

Professor Irene Cucina has been teaching in the Department of Health and Human Performance since 1998. Prior to coming to Plymouth State, she had a rewarding career as a high school health and physical education teacher and coach in Newton, MA. Her commitment to students and learning has been recognized by her peers through a [...]

Example Image

Another Way to Serve

“It was like moving to a foreign country with a completely different culture,” says PSU student Patrick O’Sullivan. The 26-year-old veteran isn’t referring to his time in Iraq as a motor transport operator in the Army Reserve. He’s talking about coming home. O’Sullivan joined the Army Reserve right out of high school, at an age [...]

Example Image

Remembering Gene Savage ’58

On May 14, 2012, New Hampshire lost a gifted educator, respected leader, and devoted friend. From his earliest days in education as a high school teacher, coach, and director of guidance, through his post as director of admissions at the University of New Hampshire, and later through his various administrative positions within the University System [...]