Signs and symptoms
Are you concerned about a student? Learn more about the signs and symptoms that emerge when people around you need help and referrals to on-campus resources.
To prevent possible over-interpretation of a single or isolated behaviour, consider everything you know about the student and look for clusters of signs.
On this page
- Stated need for help
- References to suicide
- Marked changes in mood or behaviour
- Difficulties communicating and/or apparent distortions of reality
- Harm to or from others
- Traumatic changes in personal relationships
- Drug and alcohol misuse
- Disordered eating
- Learning problems
- Dropping out
- When else to refer and use Early Alert
Stated need for help
Students may communicate a need for help directly. It is important to listen attentively, not only to the content of what is being said but also to how it is being said (e.g., tone of voice, expressions, gestures), in order to pick up on intentions and feelings if possible. Having someone listen is effective in and of itself and can result in the person feeling somewhat better.
Responding with accurate information regarding a referral to resources is critical to linking students to the help they need. Faculty and staff should also identify the concern using Early Alert.
References to suicide
If a student talks in a specific manner about harming himself or herself – such as alluding to how, when, or where he or she may be contemplating suicide – then immediate referral is necessary. Regardless of the circumstances or context, anyone who makes a reference to committing suicide should be considered in need of immediate help; a judgment about the seriousness and possible lethality of the suicidal thought or gesture should not be made without consultation with a mental health professional.
In the case of an actual suicide attempt, or where a suicide attempt seems imminent, call 9-1-1 immediately. Follow up with consultation as needed, to assist with subsequent reactions or concerns of students, staff, and faculty. Faculty and staff should also identify the concern using Early Alert.
Marked changes in mood or behaviour
Actions that are inconsistent with an individual's normal behaviour may indicate that she or he is experiencing psychological distress. Indicators include, but are not limited to, marked changes in behaviour such as those described below:
- withdrawal from usual social interaction including classroom participation or social activities
- reduced academic performance, such as missed classes, assignments, or exams
- marked changes in quality of work
- noticeable changes in energy level, such as hyperactivity or exhaustion/falling asleep in class
- notable changes in personal hygiene and/or appearance that suggest neglect
- spells of unexplained crying, outbursts of anger, or unusual irritability.
Faculty and staff should identify the concern using Early Alert.
Difficulties communicating and/or apparent distortions of reality
Communication difficulties and apparent distortions of reality may be symptomatic of more severe psychological problems that require professional assessment and treatment. Repeated demonstration of the following behaviours are cause for concern and for intervention to assist the student in getting the help he/she needs:
- impaired speech
- irrational conversation
- garbled and disjointed thoughts
- auditory or visual hallucinations
- inability to distinguish fantasy from reality
- disorientation
- disturbing material in academic assignments
- bizarre/strange behaviour and/or paranoid behaviour (e.g., unfounded accusations of persecution).
Faculty and staff should also identify the concern using Early Alert.
Harm to or from others
Behaviours that pose a threat to other students, staff, or faculty members, or obstruct teaching and/or learning must be immediately addressed. Harmful behaviours might include:
- verbal and nonverbal threats
- intimidating behaviour, stalking, bullying
- violent acts and/or otherwise antisocial behaviour.
Intervention varies with the severity of the offending behaviour. Minimally this would include:
- outlining unacceptable behaviour to the student
- requesting that this behaviour stop
- outlining the consequences to the student should he or she not comply with your request
- referring the student to counselling if there are also indicators of mental health concern.
Refer to Policy 14 for more information.
Physical violence causing bodily harm and specific threats must be reported immediately to the RCMP at 604.224.1322. Campus security can also be reached at 604.822.2222. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
Where harm involves discrimination and/or harassment, contact the Equity Office at 604.822.6353.
Faculty and staff should also identify the concern using Early Alert.
Traumatic changes in personal relationships
Students experiencing traumatic changes in personal relationships or interpersonal problems may require assistance to cope effectively. The following can all result in increased stress and psychological difficulties:
- the death of a family member or close friend
- difficulties in marriage or family relationships
- divorce
- changes in family responsibilities
- difficulties in other significant relationships.
Where difficulties emerge from harassment, contact the Equity Office, at 604.822.6353.
Encourage victims of sexual assault or stalking to report incidents to the RCMP, at 604.224.1322. Campus security can also be reached at 604.822.2222. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
Faculty and staff should also identify the concern using Early Alert.
Drug and alcohol misuse
If a student appears to be intoxicated and/or you suspect drug use or drug dependence, it is important to refer her or him for counselling as substance abuse is almost always indicative of psychological problems.
In the case of a drug overdose or severe drug reaction, call an ambulance (9-1-1) or take the student to Emergency, Vancouver Hospital, UBC.
Faculty and staff should also identify the concern using Early Alert.
Disordered eating
If a student shares concerns regarding disruptive eating patterns such as excessive dieting, uncontrolled binge eating, or induced vomiting after eating, it is important that professional treatment is accessed as soon as possible.
Numerous factors are involved in the cause of disordered eating and effective treatment must address psychological, social, as well as biological aspects of this problem.
Faculty and staff should identify the concern using Early Alert.
Learning problems
Many students find the demands of their university program to be greater than they anticipated. While it is expected that all students will go through some adjustment period in this regard, those who demonstrate a consistent discrepancy between their performance and their potential may be in need of assistance.
Issues that suggest referral to resources on campus are:
- difficulty keeping up with course work
- inadequate preparation for exams
- incapacitating test anxiety
- problems associated with concentration.
Faculty and staff should also identify the concern using Early Alert.
Dropping out
Students who are considering dropping out, contemplating a transfer to another educational institution or worrying about possible academic failure should be referred for academic advising or to other resources on campus.
Additional referral for counselling is indicated if students disclose personal problems associated with academic difficulties.
Faculty and staff should also identify the concern using Early Alert.
When else to refer and use Early Alert
- A student presents a problem or asks for assistance that is outside your range of knowledge.
- You feel that personality differences that cannot be resolved will interfere with your ability to help.
- The problem is personal and you know the student outside of professional relationship (e.g., friend, neighbour, relative). You may want to provide more personal support; however, it is important that the student be made aware of the resources available.
- A student is reluctant to discuss a problem with you.
- You do not believe your efforts to assist the student have been effective.
Identify the concern using Early Alert.
