Skip to Content
These are the most common signs of distress. Students may present with signs that are not listed.
Sudden decline in quality of work and grades
Frequently missed classes and assignments
Disturbing content in writing or presentations
Classroom disruptions
Consistently seeking personal rather than professional advice
Multiple requests for extensions or special considerations (a change from prior functioning)
Doesn't respond to repeated requests for contact or meetings
Academic assignments dominated by themes of extreme hopelessness, helplessness, isolation, rage, despair, violence or self-harm
Marked changes in physical appearance like poor grooming or hygiene or sudden changes in weight
Strange or bizarre behavior indicating loss of contact with reality
Visibly intoxicated or smelling of alcohol or marijuana
Rapid speech or manic behavior
Depressed or lethargic mood or functioning
Observable signs of injury like facial bruising or cuts
Self-disclosure of personal distress like family problems, financial difficulties, assault, discrimination or legal difficulties
Unusual or disproportionate emotional response to events
Excessive tearfulness, panic reactions
Verbal abuse like taunting, badgering or intimidation
Expression of concern about the student by peers
Verbal, written or implied references to suicide, homicide, assault or self-harm behavior
Unprovoked anger or hostility
Physical violence like shoving, grabbing, assaulting or use of a weapon
Stalking or harassing
Communicating threats or disturbing comments in person or via email, text or phone call
Respond
