Physical signs

• Falling asleep in class or other inopportune times
• A dramatic change in energy level (either direction)
• Worrisome changes in hygiene or personal appearance
• Significant changes in weight Frequent state of alcohol intoxication (i.e., bleary-eyed, hung-over, smelling of alcohol)
• Noticeable cuts, bruises or burns on student

Emotional signs

• Inappropriate emotional outbursts (unprovoked anger or hostility, sobbing)
• Exaggerated personality traits; more withdrawn or more animated than usual
• Expressions of hopelessness, fear or worthlessness; themes of suicide, death and dying in papers/projects
• Direct statements indicating distress, family problems, or other difficulties
• Peer concern about a fellow student (in class, lab, residence hall, club)

Academic signs

• Deterioration in quality/quantity of work
• A negative change in classroom or research performance (e.g., drop in grades)
• Missed assignments or exams
• Repeated absences from class or from research lab
• Disorganized or erratic performance
• Decline in enthusiasm in class (e.g., no longer choosing a seat in the front of the room)

It's possible that any one of these signs in isolation may simply mean that a student is having an "off" day. Please note, any one serious sign (e.g., a student writes a paper expressing hopelessness and/or thoughts of suicide) or a cluster of smaller signs (e.g., emotional outbursts, repeated absence, a noticeable cut on the arm) necessitates an intervention.