Do you recognize the warning signs?
Changes in a student’s style and level of functioning is often an indicator of distress. The suddenness and extent of change reflects the severity of the difficulty. Warning signs apparent to instructors may include:
Assignments not being turned in
Frequent absences from class
Disruptiveness in class
Excessive emotional content in discussing or writing class materials
Mention of suicide or homicide in the content of coursework
Signs that the student may be experiencing a mental health emergency and, potentially, in danger of harm to self or others include:
Direct suicidal or homicidal statements
Bizarre speech
Loss of contact with reality
Extreme anxiety; panic
In these instances, walk the student to Counseling Services (280 Lighty), Health and Wellness Services (Washington Bldg.) or call 911.