Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

Developing Tomorrow's Leaders
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Signs of Distress

  • social isolation, withdrawal, lethargy (not usual for the individual);
     
  • inability to focus, concentrate;
     
  • disorganized thinking and speaking, inappropriate or flat affect;
     
  • violent outbursts, sudden mood swings;
     
  • nervousness, agitation, excessive worry, irritability, or aggressiveness;
     
  • signs of excessive alcohol or drug use;
     
  • expressions of general unhappiness over a period of several days or weeks;
     
  • frequent absences not due to illness;
     
  • gain or loss of a significant amount of weight;
     
  • lack of personal hygiene;
     
  • increased dependence on others;
     
  • expression of irrational fears, thoughts;
     
  • marked decline in quality of course or other work;
     
  • bizarre or strange behavior, speech, or writing;
     
  • ANY mention (direct or indirect) of suicidal thoughts or plans.