Warning signs for mental health of students
- Rapid or dramatic shifts in feelings or “mood swings.”
- Increased tardiness or absences — one of the earliest signs.
- Angry or aggressive behaviors.
- Poor concentration — student can’t focus, fidgets.
- Student seems withdrawn, silent, lacks friends — especially if this is a change in behavior.
- Student appears overly anxious or worried, even fearful.
- An unusual drop in functioning, especially at school or work, such as quitting sports, failing in school, or difficulty performing familiar tasks.
- Recent social withdrawal and loss of interest in others.
- Problems with concentration, memory, or logical thought and speech that are hard to explain. Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells or touch; avoidance of over-stimulating situations.
- Loss of initiative or desire to participate in any activity; apathy.
- A vague feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one’s surroundings; a sense of unreality.
- Unusual or exaggerated beliefs about personal powers to understand meanings or influence events; illogical or “magical” thinking typical of childhood in an adult.
- Fear or suspiciousness of others or a strong nervous feeling.
- Uncharacteristic, peculiar behavior.
- Dramatic sleep and appetite changes or deterioration in personal hygiene.
