Students are navigating so much more than just their classes. It is important to be aware and notice when a change of behavior occurs so you can help get students connected to the appropriate resources on campus.
Many times, you may not see obvious signs of distress but sometimes you may be able to sense that a student is struggling. This may occur through signs such changes in their appearance, energy levels, or mood or they may directly communicate to you their struggles.
Check in with your students whenever you can. Try to create and foster an environment of open communication and belonging. Below are some signs of distress that a student may exhibit.
Emergency Resources
Look to the resources linked below, provided by Campus and Community Life.
Emergency ResourcesDownload the Red Folder
You can keep a copy of our red folder or print and share it with others using the download link below.
Download the Red FolderSigns of Distress in Students
Carelessness
Reports of…- Reckless driving
- Excessive risk taking
- Sexual acting out
- Excessive spending/indebtedness
- General impulsivity
- Disregard for personal safety or safety of others
Alcohol & Substance Misuse
- Overuse or increased use of alcohol or other drugs
- Use of illicit drugs, including misuse of prescription drugs
- Noticeably intoxicated or impaired
Anxiety
- Feeling “panicky”
- Feeling physically “shaky”
- Excessive worry
- Excessive sweating
- Reports of rapid heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling that they may pass out or die
Distraction
- Inability or decreased ability to concentrate, focus
- Persistent memory lapses
- Restlessness
- Preoccupation
Poor Contact with Reality
- Irrational conversation
- Obsessional and repetitive thinking/worry
- Exaggerated suspiciousness or fears
- Distortions of reality (hallucinations, inability to distinguish fantasy from reality)
- Disorientation
- Bizarre or strange behavior
Suicidal/Homicidal Ideation
- Feeling helpless/hopeless
- Feeling that everything is “out of control”
- Talks or writes about death, suicide, or having the means for suicide
- Giving away belongings
- Threats toward other
How You Can Help Students
When you notice signs that a student may be struggling, it can be hard not knowing what to do or say. Remember CLIP when you’re checking in on a student.
Questions You May Want to Ask
- "It sounds like you are dealing with a lot right now and it can be common for people to have thoughts of suicide when dealing with so much. I’m wondering if you are having thoughts ending your life right now?"
- "Have you been thinking about how you might do this?"
- "Have you had these thoughts and some intention of acting on them?"
Communication & Support
- Use your rapport
- Acknowledge specific observed behaviors
- Express empathy and concern
Help Problem Solve
- "What’s worked before?"
Responses You May Want to Use
- "I wanted to check in with you because I noticed you have been late to class almost everyday in the last week, that’s not like you and I wanted to see if everything is okay."
- "I appreciate you sharing with me what’s going on. Have you ever navigated something like this before? What was helpful for you then?"
- Talk to the student privately before or after class or if that's not an option,
consider sending an email to check in.
For example: "I'm reaching out because I noticed you have been distracted in class and you had missed a few assignments. I am worried that you might be struggling with something and wanted to see if you would like to meet during my office hours or if I can help you navigate some campus resources in any way."
- Determine what resources are needed depending on the situation and what the student reports to you.
- Provide accurate information to the student regarding related services.
A Response You May Want to Use
- "Thank you for sharing with me. It sounds like you have been thinking about ending your life and thought through ways you might do so. I want to make sure I get you the help you need and right now, I’m going to call the Carruth Center and get us to connected to a counselor."
- Let the student know you care and want to help.
- Be direct and specific.
- Normalize mental health care.
- Introduce seeking help as a sign of strength and courage, not weakness.
- Describe seeking help as using good judgment and an appropriate use of resources.
A Response You May Want to Use
- "I know it’s not easy to talk about what’s been going on but I’m grateful you did. I care about you and want to make sure we can help get you to the resources here on campus."