It’s important that as a part of the UNT community, we all know the signs to get help for a classmate, roommate, child, student, co-worker or friend in crisis. Speak out and reach out to them.
There are three levels of distress, which over a period of time, could suggest that someone is going through a difficult time in their life.
Learn these signs to help someone in distress:
Level 1
- Changes in academic or work performance
- Significant drop in examination scores
- Changes in pattern of social interaction
- Changes in physical appearance
- Problems concentrating, remembering things or making decisions
Level 2
- Repeated requests for special consideration
- New or regularly occurring behavior that pushes the limits and may interfere with class or work
- Disruptive behavior to other students, faculty or staff
- Unusual or exaggerated emotional responses
- Persistent sadness or unexplained crying
- High levels of irritability or inappropriate excitement
Level 3
- Highly disturbed behavior
- Outbursts of anger
- Inability to communicate clearly
- Irrational conversation or speech that seems disconnected
- Loss of contact with reality (seeing/hearing things that are not there, beliefs or actions at odds with reality)
- Suspiciousness or irrational feelings of persecution
- Statements related to death or dying or feelings of hopelessness
- Threats of harming self or harming others
What can you do to help someone in need?
- Listen
- Show you care
- Don’t judge
- Trust your instincts about their safety
- Don’t leave the person alone if they are in a crisis situation
- Speak out - tell someone who can help them
- Seek counseling for the person
When in doubt, reach out to any of the UNT or Denton resources for assistance. Speaking out can help save lives.