Indicators of Distress
Following are some of the general symptoms of distress:
- References to suicide
- Isolating self from others
- Significant decrease in energy and motivational level
- Marked change in behavior
- Erratic class attendance or class performance
- Sudden unwillingness to communicate
- Drop in grades
- Alcohol and/or other substance abuse
- Body image and/or eating concerns
- Excessive self-criticism and guilt
- Statements reflecting a sense of worthlessness, hopelessness or helplessness
- Tension-induced headaches or nausea
- Change in appetite or sleeping habits
- Anxiety, depression, stress and "burnout"
- Feelings related to changes in personal relationships, such as break-ups, divorce or death
- Academic problems, such as career indecision, dissatisfaction with academic major, inability to concentrate and difficulty with workload
- Threatening bodily injury or harm to others
- Violent behavior
- Being overly suspicious and fearful
