Recognizing a Student in Distress
Our students typically lead lives that are filled with activity, accomplishment, and aspirations, and their difficulties can emerge in different arenas. Often, these very students face challenges that threaten their academic and social endeavors, and help is available to attend to these difficulties. If you are a parent, faculty or staff member, or a friend concerned about a Duke student, consultation with one of our counselors is available. In addition, this page is provided to help you recognize the warning signs of a student that may be in sufficient distress that connection to professional support is warranted.
Depression is a psychological and a physical condition that may be caused or influenced by emotional, interpersonal, social, and/or physiological factors. There are a number of symptoms of depression, and the following list of indicators may help you assess whether to approach the student and encourage seeking professional help. Keep in mind, this list is not necessarily exhaustive, and students who are depressed may show some, but not all, of these symptoms.
Indications of Depression
* Ongoing feelings of sadness and worthlessness
* Missing class/work or becoming withdrawn from social activities
* Feelings or expressions of hopelessness
* Sleeping much more or less than usual
* Eating much more or less than usual
* Increased physical symptoms (fatigue, headaches, soreness)
* Irritable moods or swinging moods
* Impaired concentration
* Loss of motivation or decreased in personal interests
* Self-medication with drugs or alcohol
* Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Suicide Risk Factors
Ongoing Depression can lead to suicide. This includes when the student is starting to feel better. Often, suicide occurs when someone who had been severely depressed begins to improve somewhat, and it is important to remain vigilant to ensure that suicide is not being contemplated or planned. There are also some indicators that the risk of suicide is higher for an individual. These include
* Previous attempts of suicide
* Having a friend or family member that has committed suicide
* Making suicide threats or comments suggesting dying or no longer being "around"
* Pre-occupation with death
* Getting affairs in order, giving things away
High Risk for Suicide
While any student described by the above indicators is at risk for suicide, a student who has contemplated a plan for suicide is a particularly high risk for attempting to commit suicide. Planning includes
1. Having and Needing a Plan
2. Having the means to implement the plan (or knowing exactly how to access the means)
- Possession of a weapon (gun, knives)
- Access to a car (if plan involves crashing car)
- Possession of medications or drugs (if plan involves intentional overdose)
3. Having set a time and place to commit suicide.
4. Believing that suicide is the only solution or the only means of escape from the painful hopelessness.