Section: 5 of 20
Distress often refers to emotions or feelings that interfere with a person’s daily functioning. In order to support students in distress, it is important to be able to recognize the warning signs. Distress can impact a student’s academics, work, body, emotions, and behaviours. Please see the chart below for examples of indicators of distress.
| Common Indicators of Distress | ||
|---|---|---|
| Academic Indicators | Emotional and Behavioural Indicators | Physical Indicators |
| Changes in quality of work | Expression of hopelessness or despair | Changes in personal hygiene |
| Increased absences | Disclosure of personal crisis (e.g., death of a family member or friend, housing, or food insecurity) | Frequent or chronic illness |
| Low productivity or participation | Self-harming behaviours | Disorganized, rapid, or slurred speech |
| Missed assignments/tests | Tearful or angry outbursts | Dramatic weight loss or gain |
| Concerning content in assignments/tests/discussions posts | Excessive anxiety | Swollen or red eyes |
Imminent Risk
An emergency is any reference to physical harm to oneself or others, violence, or weapons. If a student makes ANY reference to suicide or wanting to die, immediate action must be taken and the situation should be reported immediately. In the case of an emergency, call 911 immediately. State your concern to the student and let them know you are getting them help. Then notify the appropriate campus departments as needed.
During an emergency:
- “I am worried about your safety; I need to get support for you.”
Consider
When noticing these warning signs in a student, it is important to think through the information observed or heard to determine the appropriate next steps.
Questions to reflect on:
- Does what I am seeing concern me?
- Does what I am hearing concern me?
- Is this the first time I’ve felt concern for the student?
