Signs & Symptoms

You can help a student in distress by knowing the signs and symptoms. These include:

  • Excessive procrastination and very poorly prepared work, especially if this is inconsistent with previous efforts
  • Infrequent or inconsistent class attendance with little or no work completed
  • Dependence – the student hangs around you or makes excessive appointments to see you during office hours
  • Chronic fatigue, lack of energy, or frequently falling asleep in class
  • Marked change in personal hygiene
  • Impaired speech or confused, disjointed thoughts
  • Repeated requests for special consideration (eg, deadline extensions)
  • Excessive anger or threats to harm others
  • Behavior that regularly interferes with effective management of your class
  • Suicidal thoughts – referring to suicide as an option, even if in jest
  • Marked irritability, including unruly, aggressive, violent, or abrasive behavior
  • Inability to make decisions despite your repeated attempts to clarify and encourage
  • Dramatic weight loss or weight gain
  • Bizarre or strange behavior that is obviously inappropriate to the situation, (eg, talking to “invisible people”)
  • Normal emotions that are displayed to an extreme degree or for a prolonged period of time (eg, fearfulness, tearfulness, nervousness)

Make a Referral

If you think you know a student who needs help, please complete the Student CARES Form. If you have an after-hours emergency, please call Campus Police at 864-833-8911, 911 or go to the Emergency Department of Laurens County Hospital.