IDENTIFICATION OF STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS

The National College Health Association Survey indicates that the primary health areas which impact student life are: Stress, sleep, cold/flu, concern for a friend, depression, relationship difficulties and internet use/games. The longitudinal study conducted at UND since 2000 finds similar results.

The following behaviors may indicate signs of student distress. If you see a student exhibiting these behaviors, we urge you to act.

• Drop in quality of school performance or interest
• Major change in eating or sleeping habits, personal hygiene.
• Lack of interest in usual activity
• Rage, uncontrolled anger, revenge-seeking
• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking. Poor control over behavior.
• Increased alcohol or drug use
• Anxiety, agitation, inability to sleep or sleeping all the time
• Dramatic mood changes or sudden increase in moodiness, withdrawal or isolation
• A recent break-up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, or conflict with parents
• Expressing no reason for living; no sense of purpose in life. Feelings of hopelessness, guilt or worthlessness.
• Threatening or communicating thoughts of suicide, death, dying or the afterlife