Student Affairs

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RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF CONCERN
In learning about our many services on campus to support healthy living, you can be our partner
to help prevent any issues for your student. Staying alert and in tune to any signs or symptoms of
concern will help keep students healthy — both mentally and physically. Below is a list of signs of
concerning behaviors to keep in mind, but also know many of these are common to the student’s
experience. You will want to look for persistent patterns of behavior that are out of character for
your student:
• changes in sleeping or eating habits
• recurring colds or minor illnesses
• frequent muscle aches and/or tightness
• being more disorganized than usual
• increased difficulty in getting things done
• greater sense of persistent time pressure
• persistently sad, anxious, irritable or empty mood
• loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
• withdrawal from friends and family
• fatigue and decreased energy
• overreaction to criticism
• feeling unable to meet expectations
• difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
• feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness or guilt
• persistent physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems or chronic pains that
do not respond to routine treatment
• substance abuse problems
• prescription or over-the-counter medication misuse
• signs of suicidal thoughts
Tigers Together to Stop Suicide
Stress is a normal part of everyone’s life. Most times, students find healthy ways to manage stress.
However, there may be times when your student needs help coping. To learn about warning
signs for suicide and Clemson University resources to promote emotional well-being, visit
Safety First
If your student is experiencing persistent psychological distress, suicidal thoughts or actions,
hopelessness/helplessness, loss of touch with reality, substance abuse and/or aggression toward self
or others that may be considered a psychological emergency requiring you to act, encourage your
student to go to CAPS where they will be seen for an emergency visit. If outside business hours, they
can call a CAPS counselor-on-call by contacting CUPD at 864-656-2222 and asking for the CAPS
on-call counselor.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT
If you are concerned about your
student and want them to seek help,
encourage them to go to Counseling and
Psychological Services (CAPS). CAPS is
located in Redfern Health Center and
services are confidential. For the initial
visit, students are seen through the
walk-in clinic, Monday–Friday, from 10
a.m.–2:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-
served basis.
Based on the initial assessment, follow-
up treatment options include: skills-
building workshops and group, couples
or individual therapy. A physician/
psychiatrist consultation may also be
recommended. If the issues of concern
are related to academics, behavior,
emotional health, finances, personal
wellness, adjustment or other concerns,
you may seek support for your student
through the Office of Advocacy and
Success by completing an online CARE
Report
or by
calling 864-656-0935. A staff member
will follow up to offer resources and
support. If it is an emergency, call 911.
If you have reason to suspect that your
student’s well-being is in immediate
danger, you can contact the Clemson
University Police Department at 864-
656-2222 or 911.