Common Causes, Signs and Symptoms of Distress

Causes of Distress

• Interpersonal relations problems such as conflicts, illness/death of a loved one, divorce, abuse, romantic partner, etc.
• Financial difficulties
• Environmental adjustments
• Academic difficulties
• Time management and organization difficulties
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Traumatic event
• Substance abuse

Signs and Symptoms of Distress

• Significant changes in eating, sleeping, grooming, mood, socializing, personality, concentration or other activities
• Difficulty carrying on normal conversation
• Significant performance changes in academic, sports, co-curricular activities
• Explicit talk about hopelessness, death, or suicide
• Feeling out of control of one’s behaviors and emotions
• Racing thoughts
• Excessive dependence on others