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• Unusual apathy or withdrawn behavior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