People dealing with personal concerns or problems
tend to show signs that they are struggling in some way. Signs that a student
is experiencing severe difficulties may be obvious or more hidden. An attentive
listener who is aware of feelings and intentions which are communicated might
be aware of subtle expressions of distress.
The following is a list of both sources and effects of stressful circumstances.
To prevent possible over-interpretation of single, isolated behaviors, it is
useful to look for clusters of indicators that occur at approximately the same
time.
Requests for help are:
Student states personal need to talk with someone
Problems in academic performance:
Dramatic drop in grades
Incapacitating test anxiety
Sporadic class attendance or protracted absences
Excessive procrastination and poorly prepared work
Leaving from or transferring to school
Problems with career and major:
Extreme dissatisfaction with academic major
Confusion with regard to interests, abilities, or values
Lack of alternative goals, especially when failing
Unusual behavior:
Withdrawal from an established pattern of social interaction
Marked seclusion and unwillingness to communicate
Consistent disturbance in sleeping patterns
Extreme loss of appetite or excessive eating
Bizarre conversational patterns
Frequent expression of overwhelming anxiety
Sadness, fearfulness
Inability to concentrate
Traumatic changes in personal relationships:
Grief from a death of family member or close friend
Difficulties in marriage or intimate relationships
Problems at home with family members
Problems with roommate
Substance Abuse:
Evidence of habitual pattern of alcohol/drug use
Attending class under the influence of alcohol/drugs
