Signs of Possible Psychological Distress

• Significant change in appearance or behavior
• Decline in quality of work or class participation; missed classes or assignments
• Social isolation or withdrawal
• Agitation, non-stop talking; disruptive or angry outbursts
• Expressionless face, appears sad; conveys hopelessness
• Indicates that she or he is ashamed or feels like a disappointment
• Disorganized or irrational thinking; in a fog or confused
• Disheveled appearance
• Dramatic weight loss or weight gain
• Makes threats of harm to self or others, either vague or specific
• Writing/artwork with morbid, depressive or angry themes
• Inappropriate classroom behavior
• Verbal warning signs of suicide, either indirect or direct:

         “I can’t go on.” “My family would be better off without me.” “Who cares if I’m not around anyway? ”I wish I were dead.”

         “If _________, I’ll kill myself.” (e.g., I fail this course, she leaves me.)