Recognizing Distressed Students
Faculty and staff are often in the most direct position to identify students in distress. Moreover, in your role you are perceived by some students as role models, mentors, advisors and a source of support. Your expression of interest and concern may be critical in helping a student re-establish the emotional equilibrium necessary for academic success.
Students, like anyone, might experience a crisis when the stress exceeds their coping resources. While it is understandable that one might be upset, depressed or anxious in a given situation, the following signs might indicate that the response is persistent and is more than just ‘situational.’
Academic Signs Decline in quality of course work and class participation Poor study habits Disruptive behavior in class Incapacitating test anxiety Repeated requests for special consideration Increased absences from class Creative work or writings indicating extreme hopelessness, despair, anger or isolation Lack of alternative goals when failing Chronic indecisiveness or choice conflict | Threat to Safety Signs Homicidal threats, expressed verbally or through written content (e.g. assignments, papers etc) Direct reference to suicide or indirect cues (e.g. assignments, papers etc) Behavioral cues suggesting a suicide plan (e.g. giving away possessions, suicide note, accessing means to kill oneself etc) Violent or extremely disruptive behavior Stalking behaviors Giving away treasured personal belongings Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness Suicide Warning Signs Talking or writing about death Expressing no reason for living; no sense of purpose in life Expressions of extreme hopelessness, feeling trapped Giving away personal possessions Putting affairs in order Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking Despondency after significant situational triggers: rejection by a loved one, sudden loss or failure, death of loved one, financial problems | Interpersonal Signs Isolation from friends, family and classmates Unwillingness to communicate Inability to sleep or excessive sleep Unexplained crying or outbursts of anger Irritability, aggressiveness, agitation, nonstop talking Excessive or irrational worrying (at odds with reality or probability) Loss of contact with reality (seeing/hearing things that aren't there; beliefs or actions at odds with reality or probability) Poor communication (garbled and slurred speech, disjointed and unconnected thoughts) Feelings of shame, guilt and/or poor self esteem Irrational feelings of persecution |
