At one point or another the ins and outs of college have probably made you feel overworked, stressed, tired, or a combination of both. It is perfectly normal to have these feelings as a result of an increased workload, more challenging class content, or stress from being away from home.
Many students muster up their inner work ethic, use time management skills, and probably drink a cup or three of coffee to get through those hard times we all know so well. However, it is important to understand that not everyone handles situations in the same ways; what is extremely stressful for one, may be a breeze for another.
(Photo credit to the UMD Health Center.)
There does exist some warning signs that could be good indicators of a friend is going through a rough time, even if they are not vocal about it. Although it is not your job as a friend to take care of someone else, often times especially in college situations, friends see such warning signs before anyone else. Knowing what those warning signs are is the best way to spot a change in a friends’ behavior.
After all, you need to know what to look out for. The key to getting a friend help, or preventing a more serious situation from occurring is noticing warning signs and talking about it or telling a professional.
So, what are these signs and why are they important?
Warning signs are the earliest detectors that a serious problem may lay underneath a friend’s exterior. This can include signs a friend is in distress whether it is with school, a substance like alcohol, or is possibly suicidal. (Photo credit to the UMD Health Center.)
The 5 most important signs to be mindful of include:
1. Displaying increased feelings of irritability, sadness or having unexpected angry outbursts
2. Avoiding friends, activities, school, and/or social events
3. Increasing usage of alcohol and/or drugs
4. Experiencing declining grades or other academic problems
5. Exhibiting severe behavior change, displaying feelings of worthlessness or experiencing excessive guilt
Identifying the signs is the first step, but in most cases, your friend will be reluctant to ask for help; it may be up to you to get help for someone. The University of Maryland health service offers the following outlets for a situation like this:
HOW CAN YOU GET HELP FOR SOMEONE?
- If you believe that your friend is in acute or immediate medical danger, call 911 immediately.
- If you believe that the situation cannot wait until business hours, you can call the SARPP Advocate on the Crisis Cell at 301-741-3442.
- If you believe your friend has an eating disorder, seek help from Julie Parsons, LCSW-C in the UHC Mental Health Service at 301.314.8142.
- If you believe your friend has a substance abuse problem, seek help from UHC Substance Abuse Services at 301.314.8106.
- If you believe your friend is self-injuring, seek help from any professional therapist at the UHC Mental Health Service at 301.314.8106.
- If you believe your friend is considering suicide, seek help from any professional therapist at the UHC Mental Health Service at 301.314.8106.