Emotional Distress
Signs
- Agitation
- A loss of interest in things usually enjoyed
- Angry outbursts, hitting objects in anger
- Bizarre, alarming, or dangerous behaviors
- Confusion or poor concentration
- Depressed or hopeless attitude
- Excessive absences, especially when attendance has been good
- Dependency (e.g., the student who hangs around you or makes excessive appointments to see you)
- Excessive procrastination
- Fearfulness
- Frequent illnesses
- Increased irritability
- Indecisiveness
- Lack of energy
- Nervousness
- Unduly aggressive or abrasive behavior
- Unusual or exaggerated emotional responses that are inappropriate to the situation
- Marked change in class participation or quality of work
- Poorly prepared work or little or no work completed
- Social withdrawal, a major shift in social group, or isolation
Most students may exhibit a few of these distress signs at times, but they will probably go away quickly. In considering the kinds of signs that merit special attention and suggest referral to counseling, look for acute changes and/or numerous signs that linger.
If you are concerned about a student exhibiting several of these signs, you might want to consider asking him or her to stop by during office hours, at which time you may convey that you recognize he or she does not seem him or herself. A useful way to express your concern is to use objective examples - perhaps pointing out changes in his or her academic work or class attendance. If you feel comfortable doing so, suggest the student make an appointment at Counseling Services or at the service of their choice. Remember that you are always welcomed to consult with a counselor in Counseling Services prior to meeting with a student.