Tips for Recognizing Troubled Students

At one time or another everyone feels upset or distressed. However, there are three levels of student distress which, when present over a period of time, suggest that the problems are more than the "normal" ones.

Level 1

• Changes in academic performance in the classroom
• Significant drop in examination scores
• Change in pattern of interaction
• Changes in physical appearance
• Problems concentrating & remembering things or making decisions

Level 2

• Repeated request for special consideration
• New or regularly occurring behavior which pushes the limits and may interfere with class
• management or be disruptive to other students, faculty or staff
• Unusual or exaggerated emotional responses
• Persistent sadness or unexplained crying
• High levels of irritability or inappropriate excitement

Level 3

• Highly disturbed behavior
• Outbursts of anger
• Inability to communicate clearly
• Irrational conversation or speech that seems disconnected
• Loss of contact with reality (seeing/hearing things that are not there, beliefs or actions at odds with reality)
• Suspiciousness, irrational feelings of persecution
• Statements related to death or dying or feelings of hopelessness
• Threats of harming self or harming others

What Can You Do To Help

Responses to Level 1 and 2 Behavior

• Talk to the student in private when you both have time
• Express your concern in non-judgmental terms
• Listen to the student and repeat the gist of what the student is saying
• Identify options available to the student
• Clarify the costs and benefits of each option for handling the problem from the student's point of view
• Respect the student's value system
• Ask if the student is considering suicide
• Make appropriate referrals if necessary
• Make sure the student understands what action is necessary and make plans to follow-up with the student on this action

Responses to Level 3 Behavior

• Stay calm
• Find someone to stay with the student if possible
• Call Campus Police at 817-272-3003

Responding to Suicidal Concerns

When a student makes any reference to suicide, threat of suicide, or attempt at suicide, a judgment should be made by a mental health professional about the seriousness of a possible suicidal thought or behavior. Suicide attempts are first and foremost a medical emergency. If danger or suicidal behavior appears imminent: 1) Stay calm and 2) Contact Campus Police at 817-272-3003 or dial 911.

To Save a Life Remember QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer)

Question the person about suicide
Persuade the person to get help
Refer for help