Recognizing Signs of Distress: How You Can Help

Announced on: Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024

The CARE Team wants to equip you with tools to recognize early signs of distress in yourself, and your community. The NaBITA (National Behavioral Intervention Team Association) framework offers guidance to help identify behaviors that may signal a need for support. By paying attention to these signs, we can foster a community that encourages caring, connection, and wellness.

Signs of Distress to Recognize:

• Changes in Behavior: Is someone you know becoming unusually withdrawn, overly irritable, or highly sensitive to feedback? Shifts in mood, isolation, or impulsive actions can indicate emotional distress.

• Decline in Academic or Work Performance: A noticeable drop in academic performance, repeated absences, or missed deadlines may suggest struggles that need attention.

• Physical Signs of Stress: Look for physical changes such as lack of energy, difficulty sleeping, sudden weight changes, or frequent health issues. Physical signs often accompany emotional distress.

• Expressed Thoughts of Hopelessness: Verbal or written indications of hopelessness, lack of purpose, or mentioning feelings of being overwhelmed can signal deeper issues.

• Boundary Pushing or Disruptive Behavior: Significant violations of community norms or rules, erratic behaviors, or displays of anger may indicate underlying distress.

Reach out for Support & Submit a CARE Report!

If you notice any of these signs in yourself or others, we encourage you to take action:

1. Submit a CARE Report: A CARE Report allows our campus team to provide support and connect those in need with helpful resources.

1. Student and Employee CSU Chico Portal "Report a Concern"

2. C.A.R.E. Website

3. Phone: 530-898-5093

4. Email: care@csuchico.edu

2. Reach Out to Our Campus Case Managers: Our case managers are here to assist with concerns and provide support. Don't hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know needs help.

1. Yeng Vang, Student Support Case Manager

1. 530-898-5093

2. care@csuchico.edu

2. Sawyer McAvoy, Clinical Case Manager

1. 530-898-5241

2. slmcavoy@csuchico.edu

Let's make our campus a place of care, connection, and well-being by being proactive and compassionate. Each of us contributes to a more connected, resilient campus community.

Remember, you're never alone in helping others, and support is available for you too.