Faculty, staff, friends and family are often in a position to recognize students who are experiencing distress or who may be at risk. Identifying the signs of at-risk behavior and responding in a timely manner may be a significant part of linking the student with the appropriate campus resource(s).
If you see or hear:
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Unusual or erratic behavior in class, in the residence halls, during advising sessions, etc.
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Extended absence from class or activities by a typically engaged student
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Written work or creative expression with troubling themes or references
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Written or verbal expressions of suicidal ideation
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Any direct statement about the intention to harm oneself or other members of the community
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"Hints" that the individual intends to harm themselves or other members of the community
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Extreme difficulty adjusting to college life; for example the student is isolated, depressed, and/or very angry, with peers
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Difficulty in adjusting to sexual orientation or gender identity
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Poor concentration — student can’t focus, fidgets, or is unable to articulate clear thought patterns
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Student seems withdrawn, silent, lacks friends — especially if this is a change in behavior
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Statements from individuals about access to fire arms and suggestions that they may be bringing them to the campus or may already have them on campus
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Fascination with violence, including video games, rock music, and/or focusing on or admiring violent "role models"
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Your own "gut feeling" that someone that you know intends to harm themselves or others