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