Behavioral Warning Signs
Â鶹¸ßÇå 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¸ßÇå 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¸ßÇå Assessment and Care Team (ACT) will be notified and provide appropriate intervention.
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