Warning Signs of a Student in Distress

Any one of the following indicators alone does not necessarily suggest that a student is experiencing severe distress. However, several of the signs taken together may well indicate that the student needs or may be asking for help.

Academic Indicators

• Deterioration in quality of work
• Missed assignments or appointments
• Repeated absence from class or laboratory
• Continual seeking of unusual accommodations (extensions, postponed examinations)
• Essays or papers that have themes of hopelessness, social isolation, rage, or despair
• Acting withdrawn
• Inappropriate disruption or monopolization of classroom

Physical or Psychological Indicators

• Deterioration in physical appearance or personal hygiene
• Excessive fatigue or sleep difficulties
• Unusual weight gain or loss
• Exaggerated personality traits or behaviors (e.g. agitation, withdrawal, lack of apparent emotion)
• Unprovoked anger or hostility
• Irritability, constant anxiety or tearfulness
• Marked changes in concentration and motivation

Other Factors to Consider

• Direct statements indicating family problems, personal losses such as death of a family member, or the break-up of a relationship
• Expressions of concern about a student by peers
• Written statements or verbalization of hopelessness, futility or lack of energy
• Your own sense, however vague that something is seriously amiss with the student