Student in Crisis
Possible signs of emotional distress
Emotional / Interpersonal Indicators:
- Poor self-esteem / worthlessness
- Pessimism / hopelessness
- Persistent sad mood
- Crying
- Irritability, restlessness, mood swings
- Overreaction
- Anxiousness or intense fearfulness
- Isolative behavior
- Withdrawal
- Loud, fast, or inappropriate speech
- Poor judgment
- Inappropriate social behavior (obnoxious, provocative, or intrusive behavior)
- Sudden paranoia or rage
- Delusions or hallucinations
- Preoccupation with death & dying (often indicated in writing or artistic assignments)
- Any noticeable change in behavior
Academic Indicators:
- Poor attendance
- Excessive tardiness
- Deterioration in academic performance
- Often requiring special consideration, extensions on work, etc.
Physical Indicators:
- Changes in personal appearance
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Disorientation / Confusion
- Lethargy (may be falling asleep in class)
- Extreme weight gain or loss
- Psychosomatic complaints, such as recurrent headaches, stomach aches, or pains
- Self-abusive behavior (noticeable cuts, scratches, burn marks, welts, etc)
- Signs of physical abuse (often students will attempt to cover up with clothes and/or make-up)
- Smell of alcohol; possible drug usage
- Consistently red, glazed eyes
- Shaking
For additional referral options, you may consult the
Student Resource Guide,
Low-Cost Counseling Resources in the Community, or the
United Way Community Assistance Directory.
Written by Stacie Williams, M.S., LPC, LMFT