Sometimes you might have concerns about the behaviors of classmates and/or friends. If you’re concerned, remember to care and share.
You can show you care best by talking to your friends and sharing the concern with people who can help.
Some Signs of Emotional Distress
- Failure to attend class, complete assignments, participate in discussion, or other academic difficulty
- Extreme sadness, agitation or anxiety disproportionate to the circumstances
- Withdrawal from friends and former activities
- Inability to concentrate
- Difficulty coping with a loss or other stressors
- Change in sleep, eating, and/or personality
- Discomfort with minor changes in routines or plans
What Can You Do? (Care & Share)
- Approach your classmate in a warm and caring way to further assess the situation, offer assistance, and make a referral if necessary.
- Tell a staff or faculty member at the university. This might be a Student Advisor, Hall Director, Professor or Advisor. You may also consult with University Counseling Services about the situation and the appropriate next steps.
- Contact SOC for further assistance and let them know about the situation in case additional action is needed.
In addition to emotional distress, you may see signs a student may present a threat of harm to self or others.
Some Signs of a Potential Threat of Harm to Self or Others
- Severe discomfort in social settings
- Incoherent and/or bizarre patterns of speech
- Significant abuse of substances
- Preoccupation with violence of weapons
- Lack of personal hygiene or appropriate self-care
- Indirect threat of violence or self-harm
- Writing, artwork, or presentations preoccupied with violent or self-destructive images
- Difficulty controlling anger
- Lack of empathy, emotional detachment
What Can You Do? (Care & Share)
- Tell a staff or faculty member at the university. This might be a Student Advisor, Hall Director, Professor or Advisor. You may also consult with University Counseling Services about the situation and the appropriate next steps. Next, report the situation to SOC as they may have additional information about the situation and can determine the most appropriate response.
Some Signs of Imminent Threat of Harm to Self or Others
- Giving away possessions and attempts to “say goodbye”
- Direct threats to harm themselves or others
- A well organized, detailed, and realistic plan to harm self or others
What Can You Do? (Care & Share)
- Call 911 IMMEDIATELY!
- DPS is represented on SOC and will ensure SOC is aware of the situation and can follow up
- If possible without placing yourself in danger or further agitating the individual, express concern for them and give them a safe environment to express their feelings.
Sample Situations of Immediate Threat of Harm to Self or Others
- An individual is in the process of a violent act toward themselves or others
- An unauthorized individual is in possession of a firearm on campus
- You observe an individual who is a victim of violence and the assailant may still be at large.
- An individual is threatening you and or others with a weapon
What Can You Do? (Care & Share)
- If possible to do so safely, call 911 IMMEDIATELY!
- Ensure your own safety first and, if it is safe to do so, assist others.
- Become familiar with the emergency procedures found at police.truman.edu/emergency-procedures/
What Can You Do if You Aren’t Sure How Serious the Situation is?
- Contact a member of the Students of Concern (SOC) Group
- Share concerns through our report form or get additional information at truman.edu/students-of-concern/
Students of Concern is available to answer questions, share resources, or present to groups.
Behavioral Referral Form Working with Distressed Students