How do I know if a student is in distress?
Academic Indicators:
- Drop in grades
- Missed assignments
- Repeated requests for accommodations (i.e. extensions)
- Content of work indicates distress (i.e. hopelessness, rage)
Physical Indicators:
- Deterioration in appearance (dirty clothing)
- Lack of hygiene
- Drastic changes in weight (gain or loss)
- Excessive fatigue (yawning, sleeping in class, blank look)
Interpersonal/Affective Indicators:
- Tearfulness; unusual behaviour (running out of class)
- Direct statements of distress (from student or his/her peers)
- Excessive dependence/uncertainty
- A hunch (gut feeling) that something is wrong
Safety/Risk Indicators:
- A direct note or verbal statement about suicide or finality
- Self-injurious or self-destructive behaviour
- Any behaviours that possess risk of harm to self or others