Symptoms of Distressed or Distressing Students

Sometimes it is very clear when a student is having difficulties coping, and at other times psychological distress is masked with less obvious symptoms. Some obvious and not-so-obvious signs of distress are:

PROBLEMS WITH ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

• Poor academic performance and preparation, particularly if such behavior represents a change in previous functioning
• Excessive absences or tardiness, especially if representing a change in functioning
• Chronic indecisiveness or procrastination
• Repeated requests for special considerations
• Increased concern about grades despite satisfactory performance
• Increased dependence – student hangs around you or makes excessive appointments to see you during office hours

UNUSUAL BEHAVIOR

• Listlessness, lack of energy, or falling asleep in class
• Disruptive classroom behavior
• Marked changes in personal hygiene
• Impaired speech or disjointed, confused thoughts
• Aggressive or threatening behavior
• Extreme mood changes or excessive, inappropriate display of emotions
• Hyperactivity, irritability, or heightened anxiety
• Prolonged or extreme emotionality
• Dramatic weight loss or weight gain with no apparent physical illness/reason
• Bizarre or strange behavior indicating a loss of contact with reality
• Use of mood altering chemicals (e.g. alcohol or drugs)

TRAUMATIC CHANGE IN RELATIONSHIPS

• Death of family member or close friend
• Difficulties in marriage or close relationships
• Problems at home with family or roommates

REFERENCES TO SUICIDE OR HOMICIDE

• Overt (or veiled) references to suicide – verbally or in writing
• Statements of helplessness or hopelessness
• Indications of persistent or prolonged unhappiness
• Isolated self from friends and family
• Pessimistic feelings about the future
• Homicidal threats

Guide Table of Content

• Typical Concerns for UR Students
• What You Should Know About Student Problems
• Symptoms of Distressed or Distressing Students
• Responding to Distressed or Distressing Students
• Making a Referral to the UR Counseling Center
• Responding to Student Emergencies
• The UR Counseling Center
• Information About Confidentiality
• Mandated Risk Assessment
• Other Campus Referral Sources
• Academic Faculty: Classroom Climate and Prevention
• Responding After a Tragedy: An In-The-Classroom Guide

Addendum

• The Grieving Student
• The Anxious/Shy Student
• The Student Who May Have an Eating Disorder
• The Demanding Student
• The Dependent/Passive Student
• The Depressed Student
• The Student in Poor Contact with Reality
• The Student Suspected of Substance Abuse or Addiction
• The Victim of Stalking
• The Victim of an Abusive Dating Relationship
• The Victim of a Hate Incident
• The Victim of Hazing
• The Student Who Has Been Sexually Harassed (Assaulted)
• The Suicidal Student
• The Suspicious Student
• The Verbally Aggressive Student
• The Violent Student
• The Absent/Disappeared From Class Student
• Responding to Students with Transition Issues
• Responding to the Student with Choice of Major or Career Concerns