Recognizing concerning behavior in students is the first sign toward helping them. Faculty can often serve a critical role in identifying common warning signs in students that can indicate a person is experiencing stress, trauma, or other mental health issues. Below is a list of common warning signs to look for to prompt you to check-in with a student directly. If a student is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing concerning behavior, find support under the Refer and Respond section.
Guide to Working With Distressed Students
Examples of Concerning Behavior
- Missing classes or irregular attendance
- Significant change in behavior
- Comments that are inappropriate or irrelevant to class discussion
- Unable to control emotions
- Poor hygiene
- Appears intoxicated or smells of alcohol
- Appears high or smells of marijuana
- Appears tired or is constantly falling asleep in class
- Concerning writing or art
- Extreme change in weight
- Extreme change in appearance
- Unusual bruising or other injuries
- Interrupting class discussions
- Very anxious
- Interfering with other students’ ability to learn
- Making threats or threatening behavior
- Talking or writing about suicide
Specific Concerns
What to do when you see a student who may be struggling emotionally.
How to recognize symptoms and types of anxiety, what to do and not do
Resources to Help
The following is a collection of resources that may prove beneficial in helping identify and support students’ well-being and mental health. This is not an exhaustive list, but a starting point to give you the necessary tools and language to help.
Healthy Minds Study Report: The Role Faculty Play in Student Mental Health (PDF)
Students Struggling with MH Often Confide in Profs. They Want More Guidance on How to Help. (PDF)
Report Highlights: Student Mental Health (PDF)
The Important Role of Faculty In Mental Health Awareness (www.activeminds.org)
Supporting the Whole Student: Mental Health and Well-Being in STEMM Undergraduate and Graduate Education (www.nationalacademies.org)
To determine when to refer a student, please visit the following webpage: https://sites.centre.edu/ctl/how-to-determine-when-to-refer-a-student/