Counseling Center

Signs of a Problem 

As a faculty or staff member interacting daily with students, you are in a good position to recognize behavior changes that characterize an emotionally troubled student. A student's behavior, especially if it is inconsistent with your previous observations, could be a sign that the student is struggling and needs help. Your ability to recognize the signs of emotional distress, and a commitment to acknowledge your concerns directly to the student can be one of the most significant factors in his/her successful problem resolution.

Signs suggesting a student may be in distress

Academic:

• Not attending classes
• Increased dependence on a faculty/staff member (e.g., making numerous appointments, hanging around your office or after class)
• Excessive procrastination
• Uncharacteristically poor school work
• Inconsistent school work
• Repeated requests for special consideration
• Repeated confiding in faculty/staff about personal problems
• Worrisome or unusually personal content presented verbally or in written assignments
• Behavior that regularly disrupts class
• Complaints from other students about the student in question
• Repeated lateness to class
• Falling asleep in class

Behavioral (what you observe):

• Significant change in physical appearance (e.g., poor grooming or hygiene, excessive change in weight)
• Excessive energy (e.g., loud tone of voice, high level of activity, rapid speech)
• Inability to focus in a conversation or activity
• Thinking or speech that is disorganized, difficult to follow, or aggressive
• Strong mistrust of other people
• Violent or aggressive outbursts
• Irritable, sad, or depressed mood
• Reference to suicide or homicide (verbally or in written communication; direct or indirect)
• Threatening to others
• Inappropriate responses and/or display of intense emotion
• Slurred speech, unsteady gate, or other indications of substance use

Student’s Experience (what is reported to you):

• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• Excessive alcohol or drug use and/or an increase in substance use
• Tearfulness, irritability, excessive sadness
• Isolating or increased anti-social behaviors
• Engaging in high risk behaviors (e.g., driving recklessly, engaging in risky sexual behavior, thrill seeking)
• Loss of interest in activities
• Difficulty concentrating or feeling motivated
• Feeling helpless or hopeless
• High anxiety or restlessness
• Suicidal or homicidal thinking or behavior

If you would like to discuss any concerns or questions that you have about a student, please contact the Counseling Center 508-626-4640 and we will be happy to assist you.

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