Red Flags to Look For

Classes and studying

Disinterest in course materials.
Disengagement overall, but specifically with classes.
Confusion about expectations in specific classes.
Lack of awareness of upcoming assignments or awareness of upcoming assignments that the student ignores.
- "I'm really unmotivated," "I don't know how to start," "Everything is really confusing and disorganized."
Low class attendance/participation.
Mentioning/considering withdrawing from school or classes.
- Dropping or changing long-term career paths (This is not always a red flag, but sometimes students will change their long-term plans to accommodate short-term difficulties when under intense stress).

Poor health/wellness practices (sleeping too much or not enough, not eating well, hygiene, substance abuse/use, etc.)
- "I don't have enough time to eat," "I forget to eat," "I have just been getting takeout."
Roommate difficulties.
Unable to follow a schedule or stick with plans/schedules that are created (making schedules or lists, but not following through with them).
Canceling plans frequently, reluctance to make new plans.
Changes in behavior.
- Calling/contacting family members more frequently (or less frequently) during times of distress OR change in quantity/tone of contacts.
- Oversleeping/lack of sleep.
  - "I'm really tired," "I'm not sleeping well," "I'm having trouble falling asleep," "I have trouble waking up."
Increased emotional sensitivity.
- Easy to anger or easily distressed/upset by seemingly small events.
- Increased feelings of anxiety, frustration, or guilt.
- Difficulty being flexible or changing routines/behaviors (changes cause distress).