Recognizing Signs of Distress In Your Student
Warning Signs of Distress- a SLU Resource Guide for Parents
Emotional
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Excessive sadness, anxiety, homesickness
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Showing little or no emotion
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Unexpected outbursts
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Frequently angry or irritable
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Expressions of hopelessness
Academic
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Frequent absence from class (your student may not disclose this to you but discuss other academic concerns)
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Decline in performance (or intense fear of failure or not living up to expectations)
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Feeling overwhelmed with work or academically unprepared for the load
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Sharing writing/creative work that focuses on disturbing content such as death, aggression, despair or hopelessness
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Extreme test anxiety or fear of giving presentations
Social
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Isolation
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Lack of close friendships/relationships
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A breakup or conflict with a friend or roommate
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A rejection from a social organization (not getting into a fraternity/sorority/theme house, etc)
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Other friends/roommates are expressing concern for your student
Behavioral
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Calling/texting or coming home more or less than is normal for them
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Changes in appetite (binge eating or not eating enough/skipping meals) or dramatic loss or increase in weight
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Sleep disturbance
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Signs of excessive alcohol or drug use
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Garbled, rambling, disorganized speech
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Excessive procrastination/ escaping into social media/gaming/ binge watching shows etc....
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Behavior that is out of context or out of character for your student
Safety
• Making a direct threat to harm self or others
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Unprovoked aggression, hostility, or anger
Contact Security for any immediate safety concerns 315-229-5555. The Counseling and Crisis Helpline is available 24/7 for support for any enrolled student, even when students are on break or abroad. Call 315-229-1914. The Counseling Center is available for consultation about your concerns Monday-Thursday 8:30-4:30 and Fridays 10-4:30 by calling 315-229-5392.
Tips to Respond
• Be direct
• Describe the changes you have noticed
• Refrain from judgement
• Provide a space to be heard
• Be patient and listen
• Give yourself plenty of time
• Let them know you care
• Ask what they need
• Affirm their feelings
• Reflect back what you are hearing
Conversation starters…
• “I haven’t heard from you in a long time.... everything Okay?”
• “I noticed you have been sounding super emotional. I am concerned about you. Is there something I can help with?”
• “You’ve been sounding really worried about your classes is there something you need help with?”
• “You seem down and distracted lately. Is there anything you want to talk about?”
• “It sounds like you are really overwhelmed. Let’s talk about some resources on campus to help you with this”.
• “College can be very challenging at times; you are not alone. How can I help?”