Signs of a Distressed Student
These can all be signs of distress in students. This is not a comprehensive list, but a reference. If you’re concerned about a student based on a “gut-feeling” and they don’t exhibit the indicators below, please file a Care Team referral.
Emotional Signs
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Excessive tearfulness
- Panicked reactions
- Irritability
- Unusual apathy or withdrawn behavior
- Thoughts of suicide
- Hopelessness
- Statements indicating troubles or reaching out for assistance
Academic Signs
- Sudden decline in quality of work
- Sudden, concerning absences
- Disturbing content in speech or writing
Physical Signs
- Worrisome changes in physical appearance: grooming, weight loss/gain, bruises or marks
- Intoxication or hangovers
- Disoriented
Safety Risk Signs
- Implied or direct threats to harm self or others
- Excessive anger