Signs of a Student in Distress
Students in distress often experience difficulty coping with stressors. They may:
- Feel overwelmed, depressed, anxious, hopeless, helpless, worthless or uncared for;
- Have persistent negative thoughts or suicidal ideation;
- Have experienced a recent loss of a relationship, job or loved;
- Have had a recent traumatic experience or are re-experiencing a past trauma.
Students in distress often display multiple signs & symptoms that can be classified into the following categories:
Marked Decline in Academic Performance or Behavioral Changes that is distinctly different from the student’s usual level of performance or behavioral presentation
- Poor performance & preparation
- Failure to turn in assignments promptly
- Excessive absences or tardiness
- Repeated requests for special consideration
- Withdrawal from class participation
- Unusual comments or speech
- Excessive anxiousness when called upon
- Excessive or inappropriate anger
- Disruptive behavior
- Alcohol or drug use
Unusual Behavior or Appearance that is a noticeable difference from the student’s typical behavior or appearance
- Depressed, lethargic mood
- Hyperactivity, very rapid speech
- Decline in personal hygiene, dress, appearance
- Dramatic change in weight
- Strange or bizarre thoughts, behaviors, speech content
References to Emotional Experiences &/or Life Stressors
- Problems w/ family, partners, friends, classmates, etc.
- Recent loss of partner, parent, child, job, pet, etc.
- Discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or disability
- Legal problems
- Traumatic Event (Recent or Past)
- Physical abuse, domestic violence
- Sexual abuse
- Combat stress
- Child abuse, neglect
References to Suicide, Homicide or Death
- Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, worthlessness
- Verbal or written references to suicide
- Social isolation from friends, family, classmates, etc.
Your internal reactions can also provide meaningful information if noticed in addition to the presence of some of the above signs & symptoms. The following internal reactions are particularly noteworthy:
- Feeling uncomfortable about a student’s statements or behaviors;
- Feeling alarmed or frightened in reaction to a student’s statements or actions; &/or
- Having concerns about a student’s ability to function.