Signs of distress

Signs of distress indicate someone is having difficulty and may need help. While a single sign in isolation may not be cause for concern, a pattern of behaviour or escalation in intensity of that behaviour is significant.

Here are some signs of distress:

Situations

• Experience of abuse or trauma
• Ending of relationships
• Loss
• Legal/financial problems

Behaviour

• Emotional outbursts
• Withdrawal – from relationships, work, hobbies, interests
• Frequent conflict
• Self-harm
• Deterioration of academic performance/participation in class
• Frequent absences/incomplete assignments
• Recklessness/impulsiveness
• Drug/alcohol abuse
• Extreme behavioural changes
• Rapid, incoherent speech
• Paranoia
• Extreme agitation (pacing, clenched teeth, jaws, fists)

Physical appearance

• Rapid weight loss/gain
• Lack of attention to physical appearance (particularly if a change from “normal”)
• Loss of appetite
• Sleep disturbance
• Listlessness/lack of energy
• Frequent/sudden illness
• Excessive dieting
• Binge eating
• Induced vomiting
• Chronic nausea, headaches

Emotional behaviour

• Sadness
• Apathy
• Anger/irritability
• Shame/guilt
• Loneliness/isolation
• Hopelessness
• Worthlessness
• Despair

If you’re in doubt, it’s best to take action. Reach out to the person in question, contact a counsellor or the Distress Centre to discuss your concerns, or, in  case  of emergency, contact campus security or call 911. Learn more about assessing a situation.