Everyone feels stressed, depressed or anxious from time to time. However, some behaviors occurring over a period of time can suggest that the problems with which the student is dealing are beyond his or her ability to cope. The following three levels of behaviors indicate relative severity of distress.
Level 1
Although not disruptive to others, these behaviors may indicate that intervention is needed
- Seriously poor grades or a change from consistently good to unaccountably poor performance
- Despite satisfactory performance, a student who appears anxious, constantly seeks you out and is concerned about grades
- Excessive absences, especially if the student previously demonstrated consistent class and/or work attendance
- Unusual or markedly changed pattern of interaction (e.g. totally avoiding participation, becoming excessively anxious when called upon, dominating discussion, withdrawal from social contact, etc.)
- Depressed mood, excessive crying and/or inability to make transition to school environment
- Other characteristics, such as lethargic behavior, excessive activity and very rapid speech; swollen, red eyes; marked change in personal dress or hygiene; anxious behavior; and falling asleep in class or at work
Level 2
These behaviors may reflect significant emotional distress, a need for intervention, as well as a reluctance or inability to acknowledge a need for personal help
- Repeated requests for special consideration, such as deadline extensions (especially if the student appears uncomfortable or highly emotional disclosing the circumstances prompting the request)
- New or consistent behavior which pushes the limits and interferes with the effective management of your class, work setting or living arrangements
- An unusual or exaggerated emotional response that is obviously inappropriate to the situation
- Increased oversharing of personal information during class discussions
- A student with no apparent physical illness loses a dramatic amount of weight in a short time period
- A student seems agitated and restless in class, constantly argues with you and is shunned by classmates
Level 3
These behaviors usually suggest a student is in crisis and requires emergency intervention
- Highly disruptive behavior (hostile, aggressive, violent, etc.)
- Inability to communicate clearly (garbled or slurred speech, disjointed thoughts)
- Loss of contact with reality (seeing/hearing things that are not present, beliefs or actions greatly at odds with reality or probability that are outside of the cultural realm)
- Overtly suicidal thoughts (referring to suicide as current option)
- Homicidal threats