Identifying Students in Distress
Common Warning Signs
Academic Problems:
- Disruptive classroom behavior
- Excessive procrastination
- Excessive absence/tardiness
- Uncharacteristically poor preparation or performance
- Avoiding or dominating discussions
- Repeated requests for extensions or special considerations
- Reference to suicide or homicide in verbal statements or writing
Interpersonal Problems:
- Asking instructor for help with personal problems
- Disruptive behavior
- Dependency on others
- Inability to get along with others
- Hanging around the office
- Complaints from other students
- Inability or unwillingness to engage with others
Behavioral Problems:
- Poor personal hygiene or a change in personal hygiene
- Disjointed thoughts
- Dramatic weight gain or loss
- Tearfulness
- Frequently falling asleep in class
- Intense emotional displays
- Irritability
- Inappropriate responses
- Unruly behavior
- Difficulty concentrating
- Impaired speech
- Physically harming self