Recognizing Distress

Everyone can feel distressed or upset at one time or another. The following lists warning signs which, when present over a period of time, suggest a more significant level of distress. We suggest you do not focus on one item or a specific set of items. Instead, if you observe these behaviors in an individual and it is concerning to you, refer the incident or individual to the CARE Team for follow-up and assessment.

Marked Change in Academic or Work Performance or Behavior

• Change in classroom or work performance such as a drop in grades or productivity
• Deterioration in quality of work and preparation
• Excessive or repeated absences or tardiness
• Missed or late assignments or appointments
• Erratic or disorganized participation or performance
• Avoiding participation or excessively anxious when called upon in class or meetings
• Dominating discussions
• Disruptive behavior during class or meetings

Unusual or Dramatic Shifts in Behavior or Appearance

• Dramatic change in energy level, positive or negative
• Dramatic changes in weight, lost or gained
• Persistent sadness or frequent tearfulness
• Lethargic, falling asleep in class or at their desk
• Hyperactivity, very rapid speech, or inflated sense of self
• Exaggerated emotional response that is obviously inappropriate to the situation
• Deterioration in personal hygiene or dress
• Strange or bizarre behavior indicating loss of contact with reality
• Incoherent speech or writing
• Inability to focus their eyes when having a conversation
• Obvious alcohol or drug abuse or intoxication
• Noticeable cuts, bruises, or bandages
• Excessive dependency on you or other individuals
• Social isolation from friends, family and classmates or roommates

Interpersonal Behavior

• Lacks social connections or friends
• Exhibits social withdrawal or isolation
• Is frequently angry, exhibits loss of temper on a daily basis
• Is verbally hostile, combative, or abusive
• Fails to acknowledge or consider the feelings or thoughts of others
• Consistently shows lack of respect for the property of others
• Demonstrates intolerance for differences or prejudicial attitudes
• Expresses frequent feelings of rejection or being alone
• Reports having been previously victimized or bullied
• Reports being currently picked on or persecuted

Reported Life Stressors

• Problems with roommates, family, or romantic partners
• Disruption in their support system(s)
• Experiencing the death of a significant other (including a pet)
• Experiencing a physical or sexual assault
• Experiencing discrimination based on gender, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disabilities
• Experiencing legal difficulties
• Any problem or situation, whether real or imagined, that is experienced as a loss, disappointment, failure, humiliation, or other stressor (job, finances, housing, relationships, etc.)

References to Suicide, Homicide, or Death

• Essays or projects that express themes of hopelessness, isolation, rage, or despair
• Expressed feelings of helplessness or inability to cope
• Verbal or written references to, or threats of, suicide
• Verbal or written references to, or threats of, destructive or assaultive behavior or homicide

Other Behavior

• Expresses frustration in inappropriate ways
• Acts impulsively, often without considering consequences
• Shows increased risk-taking
• Is fascinated with weapons (guns, knives, etc.) or death
• Is involved in physical fights, pushing, or shoving
• Commits acts of vandalism or destruction of property
• Expresses violence or themes of violence in writings or drawings
• Verbalizes threats of violence or plans for hurting people or causing damage to property
• Has a history of discipline problems or frequent run-ins with authority
• Has a history of violent or aggressive behavior

This information adapted from resources of CSU San Bernardino CARE, CSU Long Beach CARES, and Cal Poly Pomona: PolyCares. Thank you for collaboration as a CSU system to help protect our students.