Recognizing Students in Distress: When to Refer
A guide for faculty and staff
Academic Performance Signals
- Marked decline in academic performance
- Excessive anxiety regarding performance
- Repeated request for special provisions (extensions and make-up exams)
- Withdrawal/fatigue/sleepiness in class due to drug or alcohol use/misuse
- Excessive absences from class
- Bizarre and unusual thought, action, or writing
Behavioral and Interpersonal Signals
- Angry or hostile outbursts or aggressive comments
- Hyperactivity or very rapid speech
- Excessively demanding behavior
- Smell of alcohol
- Frequent conflict with others
- Concerns and complaints from classmates
Emotional Signals
- Crying or tearfulness
- Increased anxiety/ difficulty concentrating
- Depressed mood
- Marijuana or signs of other drug abuse
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Expression of suicide or harm to self or others
Physical Signals
- Marked changes in physical appearance or personal hygiene
- Dramatic weight loss or weight gain
- Noticeable cuts, bruises, or burns
- Disorganized speech, rapid or slurred speech, and/or confusion
- Signs of intoxication (i.e. decreased pupils) from drugs and alcohol use/misuse