Â鶹ÊÓƵ | Student Wellness Center | Counseling Services | Behavioral Warning Signs

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Behavioral Warning Signs

Â鶹ÊÓƵ students, faculty and staff may observe or interact with others on campus who are distressed, physically, mentally, and/or emotionally.  You may have a gut feeling that something is not right with the person.

Signs of distress may include:

  • Drop in class attendance or quality of work
  • Consistently has difficulty paying attention or keeping focus
  • Decline in personal hygiene and dress
  • Consistent depressed mood
  • Socially withdrawing behavior
  • Crying without apparent reason
  • Easily frustrated or irritated--quick to anger
  • Appears to be “on edge” all of the time--often anxious
  • Identifiable signs of intoxication during class or interactions
  • Bizarre behavior such as talking to self or repetitive actions/rituals
  • Use of suicidal language such as (“I’d be better off dead” or “I’m worthless”) (can be verbal, written, social media)
  • Suicidal gestures such as giving away valued items
  • Preoccupation with death or dying as apparent in writings or drawings
  • Lack of insight into consequences or precursors to behavior
  • Use of threatening and/or intimidating language when communicating
  • Exhibits behaviors or emotions that are inappropriate to the situation
  • Displays extreme suspiciousness or irrational fears of persecution

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: 
If a student expresses a direct threat to themselves or others, or acts in a bizarre, highly irrational or disruptive way, call 911 or the Campus Police at (815) 836-5911 immediately.

For more information on signs of a distressed person on Â鶹ÊÓƵ campus, report a person of concern and the Assessment and Care Team (ACT): /emergencyplanning/pdf/ACT-Brochure-2023.pdf.

To report a Person of Concern: /emergencyplanning/personsinterest.htm. Â鶹ÊÓƵ Assessment and Care Team (ACT) will be notified and provide appropriate intervention.

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