Learn the Signs

You might not always be certain your student or friend is displaying worrisome signs regarding their mental health. Here are a few signs/changes to look for as a guide:

What physical changes do you notice?

• Not functioning like their usual selves (i.e., change in habits of how they dress, general appearance, eating or sleep habits)
• Excessive fatigue, exhaustion; falling asleep in class
• Noticeable cuts, bruises, or burns
• Frequent or chronic illness
• Disorganized speech, rapid or slurred speech, confusion

What behavioral changes do you notice?

• Substance misuse, changes in use
• Direct statements indicating distress, family problems, or loss
• Angry or hostile outbursts, yelling, or aggressive comments
• More withdrawn or more animated than usual
• Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness; crying or tearfulness
• Excessively demanding or dependent behavior
• Shakiness, tremors, fidgeting, or pacing

What are they posting online?

Keep an eye out for these signs that could indicate your friend or student is struggling with their mental health:

• Posts concerning content on social media: e.g., suicide ideation, violence, hopelessness
• Posting captions, hashtags, or emojis that are overtly sad or negative- they go beyond sarcastic jokes
• Liking posts or following accounts that promote negative behaviors– even if they aren’t sharing it to their feeds
• Writing posts or comments that show impulsive behavior, irritability, hostility, or indicate insomnia

Whether it’s on social media, in group chats, on zoom, or when you hangout – if you suspect they are struggling, trust your gut.

 

Refer a concern using the online form

The University of Wyoming is focused on helping students achieve their goals and supporting students during their academic journey. We understand students are often navigating challenges which prevent them from fully engaging in their academic work or with the campus community. 

The UW Cares Team is a University of Wyoming multi-disciplinary team responsible for assessing, responding to and evaluating the safety and welfare of student who may present concerns of any nature. Families, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to refer concerns about a student's health, wellbeing, security and/or academic success to the team.

When you refer a student to the UW Cares Team, you are informing the Dean of Students Office that you have seen or heard something regarding that student that causes you to be concerned. The Dean of Students Office will work with our partners, including the University Police Department, the University Counseling Center, Residential Life, Student Health, Title IX and our Welfare Coordinators to contact and support the student.

The information that is shared via the online form is considered part of the educational records for the student, governed by FERPA. You may choose to identify yourself on the form or stay anonymous. Please understand that if you choose to limit the information you share, UW Cares may be limited in the help and support it can provide.

UWYO Cares Team members shall have a duty to protect confidential and/or sensitive information which is disclosed about students as part of the behavioral intervention team process. The UW Cares Team members shall limit disclosure of information to within the UW Cares Team and/or employees having a need to know in order to care for the student.

Questions about UW Cares Team or making a referral? Contact the Dean of Students Office at 307.766.3296 or dos@uwyo.edu