How to identify a Student in Distress
Faculty and staff are often the first to witness early signs of distress. Students seek assistance from faculty and staff members, especially when they perceive you to be available and willing to listen.
Students dealing with personal concerns or problems tend to show signs that they are struggling. When symptoms of distress persist over several weeks, they can interfere with a students academic responsibilities and relationships.
Academic/Work signs:
• Deterioration in quality of work
• Missing assignments or appointments
• Repeated absences
• Continual seeking of unusual accommodations (late papers, extensions)
• Essays or papers that have themes of hopelessness, social isolation, rage or despair
• Inappropriate disruptions or monopolizing class time
Physical or Emotional signs:
• Tearfulness, sadness, anxiety
• Trouble eating or sleeping
• Withdrawing from friends and/or social activities
• Loss of interest in hobbies, work, school
• Increased use of alcohol/drugs
• Anger
• Excessive irritability
• Excessive impulsivity
How to Identify a Student in Crisis
If a student is in a serious mental health crisis, you may see or hear the following:
• Talking openly about death or committing suicide
• Homicidal threats (written or verbal) or attempts
• Destruction of property
• Extreme anxiety or agitation
• Inability to communicate (garbled or slurred speech, disjointed thoughts)
• Loss of contact with reality (seeing or hearing things)
• Highly disruptive behavior (hostility, aggression, violence, intimidation)
Respond Immediately.
Call University Police
(920) 424-1212
If you need help assessing the situation call the Counseling Center (920) 424-2061 between 8am-4:30pm Monday through Friday.
The Counseling Center is available to consult with faculty and staff concerned about a student. In addition, the Counseling Center a FREE and confidential service to all UW Oshkosh students.