Common Signs of Distress

The following are commonly expressed signs of distress. Some may be due to reactions to a specific event or cause, while others may result from long-term factors.

Academic
non attendance
consistent failure to complete tasks to deadlines
poor academic quality of work submitted
marked changes in concentration
loss of motivation
neglect of personal responsibilities

Physical
looking pale
perspiring excessively
having breathing difficulties
fainting
muscular spasms
obvious intense pain
extreme fatigue
complaints of sleep problems, or falling asleep in unexpected circumstances
continual episodes of illness, colds, flu etc

Emotional and psychological
being tearful
sighing frequently
appearing vague
appearing confused
experiencing high levels of anxiety
panic attacks
irritability
unpredictable outbursts of anger
displaying agitation
displaying speech patterns that seem pressured, racing or confused
sustained low mood
frequent expressions of negativity

Behavioural
avoidance of tasks
withdrawing socially or verbally
poor self-care and neglected personal hygiene
being excessively demanding of others
increases in impulsive behaviour
talk of suicide
violent acts towards self and/or others