As teaching assistant you are often at the frontline of interacting with students and therefore in a position to recognise behavioural changes that characterise an emotionally troubled student.

Distinguish between distressed, disruptive and dangerous student behaviour:

Distressed: Behavior that causes us to feel alarmed, upset, or worried (most common).
Disruptive: Behavior that interferes with or interrupts the education process of other students or the normal business functions of the University.
Dangerous: Behavior that leaves us feeling frightened and in fear for our personal safety or the safety of others.

If you are concerned about a student, please consult the Be Well – Student Wellbeing university website to help guide your actions. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you are unsure how to handle a situation with a distressed student. As a general rule, if it doesn't feel right, it's usually not right (trust your instincts!) Either ask a senior staff member nearby to assist or if you are or others are under immediate threat call:

Emergency services (Police, Fire, Ambulance) Phone: 111 (1 111 internal)

Know your street address, building number and suburb. 111 calls are free and the call goes through even if you have no phone credit.

Other emergency numbers:

University Security Phone: 966 (internal) or 0800 373 7550
Mental Health Crisis Service (public 24/7 health service) Phone: 0800 800 717

Scenario: Some students seem to have problems that are too serious for me to help them with.

Some students have problems that may need referral to other student support providers within the university such as the student health and counselling service. If you feel this is the case, then gently suggest to the student that it might be a good idea for them to ask for help. Do this in a way that does not make them feel uncomfortable, insulted, or like you are attacking them personally.
Students can be stressed out for a number of reasons and have a variety of personal problems. Let students tell you their problems if they affect their performance in class. However, it is not in your brief to solve students’ problems, and you should refer students to the appropriate place for help.