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To support students who have some worries

Students experience considerable stress, for example, studies, relationships with friends or families, and money, in their university life. Many students can deal with their pressure properly, but some students cannot deal with them by themselves and feel difficulties. Mental stress can profoundly affect studies and relationships, but teachers can determine this. They cannot care about all of their students, and if they support students, they can be rejected. However, your help can be huge mental supports and tips to fix problems for students. Your support can give students significant influences. If there are students with some worries, then do not hesitate to help.

Students with worries or problems may show the following signs. Some of these may also be signs of mental illness. When you notice such signs, it is advisable to speak to the student individually or arrange a meeting.

  • Sudden drop in academic performance
  • Increased absences or tardiness
  • Frequently forgetting assignments or promises
  • Depression, apathy, or extreme mood swings
  • Strong feelings of anxiety or agitation
  • Outbursts of anger or aggression toward others, or sudden crying
  • Social withdrawal
  • Changes in personal appearance or hygiene
  • Major changes in relationships (bereavement, breakdown of important relationships, etc.)
  • Excessive use of alcohol or other substances

When meeting with a student who concerns you, or a student who has come to you for advice, keep the following points in mind:

  • Meet in a quiet, private place.
  • If you suspect academic or personal difficulties, speak openly with the student and ask directly. Use your own words to honestly express your concern.
  • Listen gently and non-judgmentally to their thoughts and feelings. Summarize what the student has said (both content and emotions) to show you are listening.
  • Check on their sleep and eating habits — for example: difficulty falling asleep, waking early, oversleeping, disrupted sleep schedule, or loss of appetite.
  • Ask whether they have talked to friends, family, or a counselor about the issue.
  • You do not need to find a solution. In many cases, simply being heard is enough.

Referring a student to another support service too quickly, before listening carefully, may make the student feel abandoned. Listen fully first, then consider using the following approaches:

  • “My problem is not serious enough to see a counselor.”
  • Some students see medical or counseling services as places for serious problems, or feel reluctant to seek support.
  • — “The CHC handles a wide range of concerns.”
  • — “There is no such thing as a problem too small. It is better to seek help before things get worse.”
  • — “You can decide whether to continue after just one visit — there is nothing to worry about.”
  • “I went before and it was not what I expected.”
  • The student may have used a counseling service in the past without getting what they hoped for.
  • — “There are many different counselors — why not give it another try?”
  • “I am worried that my teacher or parents will find out.”
  • The student may fear that their conversations will be disclosed to parents or faculty.
  • — “The contents of counseling cannot be shared with parents or faculty without the student’s permission — it is safe to go.”

If a student refuses to use the CHC and you are unsure how to proceed, please contact the Coordination Section (092-802-6020) and we will work through the next steps with you.

  • Either the student or the faculty member may contact the [CHC office at the relevant campus] directly to make an appointment.
  • If you are unsure which section to contact, please call the [Coordination Section](092-802-6020).
  • Providing several available dates and times will help arrange the appointment smoothly.
  • Faculty members are welcome to accompany the student on their first visit if needed. Please let us know in advance.

  • All interactions between the CHC and students are subject to strict confidentiality. We are unable to disclose information about a student’s use of our services or the content of consultations — except with the student’s permission or in emergencies (e.g., risk to life or risk of self-harm or harm to others).
  • We sometimes receive inquiries from faculty asking “What happened after I referred the student?” We appreciate your concern, but please understand that we cannot share this information without the student’s consent. If you wish to follow up, we suggest asking the student directly. If you let us know at the time of referral that you would like to be kept informed, we can discuss this with the student in advance.

  • The [Coordination Section](092-802-6020) is available to consult on how to support students or how to make referrals. Please feel free to contact us.

SITUATION We offer support for various concerns

  • Those interested in health science

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  • Those interested in supporting people with disabilities

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  • Those seeking a referral to an external medical institution

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  • Those seeking advice about disability

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  • Those seeking advice concerning diet, quitting smoking, or other lifestyle issues

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  • Those seeking advice concerning mental or physical health

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  • Those seeking medical attention for an illness or injury

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  • Those unsure which department to consult

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  • Those wishing to have their blood pressure or weight/body fat checked

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