As faculty or staff who have frequent contact with students, you are in a unique position to support our students and connect them with campus/community resources. Students who are dealing with personal concerns or mental health issues typically show signs that they are struggling. While we all have ups and downs, the persistent presence of distress over a period of time may suggest that something more serious is occurring. Early referral and connection to resources improve treatment outcomes. Please review the information below for more information and check out some of these great online resources.
Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. Overtime, repeated substance use can lead to changes in the brain that make impulse control and decision making. Addiction is a disease that left untreated, can lead to many challenging consequences. Early identification, support, and resources are critical to recovery.
Signs and Symptoms
- Difficulty controlling or reducing substance use
- Continued use despite negative consequences
- Use of larger amounts over time due to tolerance or dependence
- Missing or avoiding important life commitments or events due to substance use
- Sudden apathy
- Feeling down for extended periods of time or unusually happy or energized
- Frequent mood changes
- Weight loss or gain
- Significant changes in grooming or physical conditions (skin sores, paleness, hair loss, etc.)
- Change in sleep patterns or appetite
- Change in motivation
- Increase in risk taking behaviors
- Increase in social interactions with others who utilize substances
- Paranoia
- Difficulty thinking or focusing on tasks at hand
- Gaps in memory (blackouts or a general loss of memory)
- Confusion or being disoriented to person, place, or time.
These signs and symptoms are not conclusive and individuals may experience a combination of symptoms.
Anxiety is one of the most common issues college students face. According to the American College Health Association, in the past 12 months 62.3% of college students reported experiencing overwhelming anxiety. While anxiety is a natural response to stress, if it becomes pervasive or disproportionate, this may be a sign that additional support/services are needed. Some people express their anxiety emotionally, while others show signs of physical distress. The unifying factor, however, is a sense of overwhelming, irrational fear or worry. Early connection to resources is important as anxiety tends to build overtime when untreated.
Signs and Symptoms
- Excessive worry or fretting that is pervasive or disproportionate
- Episodes of fear or panic
- General restlessness or fidgeting
- Avoidance of social situations
- Difficulty concentrating
- Repeated unwanted thoughts
- Sleep disturbances
- Nausea, GI issues, rapid heart rate, muscle tension, sweating, shaking, dizziness, numbness, or difficulty breathing, startling easily
*A combination of symptoms at various levels of intensity may occur as a part of anxiety. If it is impacting a person’s ability to meet their daily requirements resources should be encouraged.
When feelings of sadness or depression persist for more than two weeks, this may be a sign of depression. Depression is different from feeling low or depressed in that it impairs a person’s ability to meet the demands of their life and it doesn’t easily pass or fade with time.
Signs and Symptoms
- A persistent low or depressed mood
- Feeling empty
- Sense of hopelessness
- Feeling worthless or pervasive low self-esteem
- Thoughts or fascination with death or dying
- Increased irritability
- Loss of energy
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in appetite or weight (significant increase or decrease)
- Appearing distracted
- Increase in physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems, aches and/or pains
*Depression is extremely common amongst college students as many of them are often experiencing significant transition. Support, therapy, and psychotropic treatment work best together.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by distinct mood changes that differ significantly than normal fluctuations in mood. Bipolar disorder can be difficult to recognize as majority of individuals may not have very overt obvious fluctuations. Signs of depression may be observed in addition to signs of a manic episode.
Signs and Symptoms of a Manic Episode
- Consistent elevated mood which may appear hyper, happy, or irritable
- Pressured speech (talking more or faster than normal)
- Increased distractedness and poor concentration
- Unusually high or inflated self-esteem or confidence
- Feeling invincible
- Increased energy or restlessness
- Decreased need for sleep
- Increase risk taking behavior or behaviors with disregard for consequence (increased spending)
- Psychosis
*Early referral is important for Bipolar disorder as it can take some time for a diagnosis to occur due to the need for the accurate reporting of various symptoms.
Psychosis is a severe disruption in thinking and perceptions which is often accompanied by emotional distress. Psychosis can occur with disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, substance use and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Early intervention is extremely important. As a college, we have an opportunity to provide this early support and referral since the age of onset for schizophrenia is typically late adolescence and early adulthood. Those experiencing psychosis are often the most stigmatized. Statistically, it is more likely for an individual with schizophrenia to be the victim of violence than to perpetrate violence.
Signs and Symptoms
- Social withdrawal
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty making decisions or making linear plans
- Changes in hygiene
- Unusual affect (flat/blunted or inappropriately expressive)
- Suspiciousness
- Incongruent emotions (don’t match the situation)
- Substance use
- Thoughts or perceptions about reality that don’t match reality and that are socially or culturally ‘bizarre’
- Thought or communication patterns that jump around, incoherent, or where someone is perseverating
- Hallucinations or delusions
- *Support is extremely important as those experiencing psychosis often feel judged and isolated. Patience is important and respecting the individual’s rights are key as long as they do not present as a danger to themselves or others.
More often that not, individuals who are contemplating suicide will give some warning of their intentions and/or distress to a friend or family member. All suicide threats, and attempts must be taken seriously. Please see the self harm section for more information on how this may differ from suicidal behavior.
Signs and Symptoms
- Rage, uncontrolled anger, or seeking revenge
- Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
- Feeling trapped or like there’s no way out
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
- Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
- Dramatic mood changes (suddenly increased/content or a sudden decrease)
- Expressing no reason for living or no sense of purpose in life
- Prior suicide attempts
- Giving away important possessions
- Talking about suicide or death
- Changes in appetite
- Isolating behaviors
- Hopelessness
*If you feel that someone is an imminent risk to themselves, call 911 or the Crisis Line of Hawai‘i at 1 (800) 753-6879. For tips on how to be a support to someone who is experiencing suicidal ideation, please refer to the How to Make a Referral Section.
For many, self harming or self-injury are not signs of suicidal behavior. Self harming is not done with the intent of ending one’s life, although some injuries may become life threatening. Self harming is most often done on arms, thighs and abdomens. It can be done a variety of ways, and all evidence of injuries must be taken seriously as a sign of emotional distress.
Signs and Symptoms
- Unexplained wounds, bruises or injuries
- Consistently wearing long sleeves or pants when inappropriate due to the weather
- Sign or presence of a mental health problem may put an individual at higher risk for self harming.
*Self-Injury is often used as a method of coping with other emotional or mental distress. All self-injury should be taken seriously, and support and referrals should be made. It is important to never judge or shame a person who is self harming as this will only increase the person's distress.
