Peer Educator Program

Need Help?

Crisis Care

For Life Threatening Emergencies:

Call 911

Or go to your nearest Emergency Room

_________________________________

For other crisis needs 24/7:

Call UCI Counseling Center at (949) 824-6457

♦ Or 1-866-817-9842

Crisis Text Line

♦ Text “Home” to 741741

Call or text 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8
Call UCI Campus Police at
(949) 824-5223

Signs of Distress

Home 9 Resources 9 Resources for Parents 9 Signs of Distress

The following are signs that might suggest that your student is experiencing distress. Distress can impact different areas of one’s life including: academics, social life, physical health, psychological health, and lead to increased risk. This list is not comprehensive, so if you need more guidance, please contact the Counseling Center and consult with a staff member to talk more what your student may be experiencing:

Psychological Indicators

Unusual or significant changes in mood
Loss of interest in activities
Excessive tension or worry
Unusual restlessness, irritability, or hyperactivity; behaving recklessly
Excessive alcohol or drug use
Paranoid thinking or unusual/bizarre behavior or speech
Brooding, isolating from others, avoidance of social situations
Excessive emotional expression including crying, angry outbursts, panic reactions
Apathy, lethargy, lack of engagement with life
Anxiety and/or depression to the level that it interferes with the ability to live normally
Expressions of hopelessness (e.g. “There’s no point in even trying,” “Nothing matters”

Physical Indicators

Difficulties with memory, attention, or concentration
Lack of energy or motivation
Marked deterioration in grooming, hygiene, personal care
Sleep disturbance (too much or too little)
Excessive use of alcohol or other substances
Weight and appetite changes (gain or loss of weight/appetite)
Signs of self-injury
Significant changes in performance or involvement in academics, sports, extracurricular or social activities

Academic Indicators

A decline in academic performance
Missing class repeatedly or drop in class attendance
Lack of motivation to do homework, complete courses, etc.
Significant change in grades or quality of work (although it is very common for first-year students to have some trouble adjusting to how college academics differ from high school academics)
Missing assignments or turning in assignments late
Expressing distress over ability to keep up or succeed
Expressing the feeling that they don’t measure up to other students or don’t belong
Refusing to talk about academics or grades
Feelings of imposter syndrome

Social Indicators

Social isolation or withdrawal
Avoidance of certain places or situations, or fear of being alone
Acting out of character or differently than usual
Difficulty concentrating or carrying on normal conversation
Excessive dependence on others for company or support

Risk Indicators

Statements about death or suicide (e.g. “I wish I were dead,” “You would be better off without me”)
Statements about wanting to harm others
Self-injury (e.g. cutting, scratching, or burning)
Talking explicitly about hopelessness or suicide
·Stalking or harassing others
Physical violence or the threat of it, verbally or by other means of communication
“Cry for help” behavior, including verbalizing hopelessness, rage, worthlessness, etc.

Guides for Talking to a Student In Distress

Listen attentively and respectfully to their concerns.
Ask clarifying questions when needed.
Collaborate with the student about what actions or resources could help them.
Help the student recall effective methods used in the past to cope; help the student to do something constructive to take care of themselves.
Be willing to validate fears or reservations about seeking help.
Trust your insight and reactions while respecting the student’s own point of view.
When called for, let the student know you are worried about them. List specific behaviors or examples of why you or others are concerned.
If you are concerned the student may be feeling hopeless and might be thinking about ending their life, ask if they are contemplating suicide. It is important to remember that talking about suicide is a cry for help and is not to be ignored.

If you would like more ideas on things you can say to check in with your student and offer support, we are available to consult with you; call 949-824-6457 and ask to speak to the Crisis Care therapist. The Counseling Center does not typically contact students for you, but we do want to help you in reaching out to your student and expressing your concern. If you are concerned about your student’s safety, encourage them to utilize our Crisis Care services or contact us on your own so that we can help you establish a planned way to offer your student support.

**This information was adapted from the University of Florida’s Counseling Center.

Important Notice: How to Make a Report of Sexual Harassment and Notice of Nondiscrimination