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Counseling Center
508-626-4640
Mon - Fri 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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.
