{"id":443,"date":"2024-02-08T12:22:44","date_gmt":"2024-02-08T20:22:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/commons.royalroads.ca\/difficult-conversations\/?page_id=443"},"modified":"2024-06-11T15:07:00","modified_gmt":"2024-06-11T22:07:00","slug":"managing-distress","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/commons.royalroads.ca\/difficult-conversations\/managing-distress\/","title":{"rendered":"Managing distress"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Managing Distress<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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What to do if conversations go off track<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes students will react in unexpected ways when dealing with specific conversations. You can use some of the strategies from the unplanned “hot” moments and design an exit strategy in place, but if things are past this point or if individual students seem to be distressed it is valuable to be able to notice their distress and have a plan to assist them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Learn More about “Hot Moments”<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Exit strategies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is important to consider to have exit strategies for difficult conversations so that both you and your students know it is okay to pause a conversation and gather your thoughts. An exit strategy may be a physical exit so students know they can leave if needed, or a policy where it is acceptable for students. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Instructor example<\/h3>

Flip the card to see an example of what you can say as an instructor to allow the class to exit a discussion.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

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This is an important conversation. I\u2019m feeling that it might be helpful to pause, take a deep breath, clarify what\u2019s important to each of us, before continuing. Let’s return in 10 minutes\/next class after writing down\/reflecting on our thoughts.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Supporting students to exit<\/h3>

Flip the card to see an example of what you can say as an instructor to support students in exiting a discussion.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

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I encourage you to be intentional with self-care during difficult conversations. If you need to remove yourself from the room, please do so. In order to ensure your safety and wellbeing, let me know you are ok by giving a thumbs up or sending a message.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Student examples<\/h3>

Flip the card to see examples of what students can say to exit a discussion they are feeling has become too difficult.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

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I\u2019m not feeling comfortable in this conversation, and am going to step away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This topic is difficult for me, I\u2019m going to take a short break. I will be back shortly\/next class.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

How to recognize stress\/distress in yourself and someone else.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The first aspect is being able to address when someone is becoming distressed in the discussion. There are a number of signs which can help you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n