Student Distress

Significant distress disrupts a student’s ability to:

• Work (academic or employment)
• Engage in relationships
• Complete routine activities

You may observe these common signs of distress in your students:

• Changes in school performance
• Lack of attendance or excessive lingering
• Disruptive or “strange” behavior
• Changes in speech—very fast or very low energy
• Confusing comments or stories
• Marked intolerance for differences or prejudice
• Inappropriate interactions (through email, by phone, or in person)
• Changes in overall energy level
• Mood changes
• Physical appearance/hygiene concerns
• Repeated or severe signs of substance misuse
• Severe sleep disturbance (falling asleep in class)
• Self-report of distress or crisis
• Expressed intent to harm self or others

If signs are recognized, it may be time to have a conversation with the student. Please remember:

• Asking questions demonstrates caring.
• Trust your intuition, err in favor of asking.
• Be prepared to hear a student's story. 
  
  • Save time for this
  • Some privacy.

When inquiry confirms your concerns, "help” may be in form of:

• Further discussions with you:
  • If you feel comfortable in a helping role with this student.
  • If you feel prepared, capable of helping with their problem.
• Referral to someone/office better trained and prepared to meet the student’s needs.