Red mental health guidelines

» May appear disorganised and unreliable
» May be denying any problems or responsibility for difficult behaviour
» Unlikely that issues will resolve without intervention
» Action required to prevent further mental ill health and distress

» Impaired study/work ability due to reduced concentration and learning capacity
» Unable to prioritise tasks
» Difficulty meeting course/ working requirements
» Conflict in group/team tasks or meetings
» Poor/altered decision making processes
» Worrying or anxious thoughts
» May appear vague
» Changing beliefs

» Few friends, limited integration in team processes
» Conflict with peers/team
» May be withdrawn or isolated
» Increased hours engaged on internet
» Behaviour may be having a negative effect on others
» Others may express concern or make complaints
» Generating rumours which cause concern to others
» Low level use of written, verbal or physical abuse (e.g. pushing or shoving)
» Concerning or unwelcome comments of a sexual nature or relationship seeking
» Out of character behaviours/out of context behaviours

» Poor coping
» May be demanding of others to find solutions
» Overall functioning compromised
» Inappropriate, changeable emotional expressions (e.g. tearful or aggressive outbursts)
» Coping through excessive online chat and other internet activity
» Substance abuse
» Impulse control problems may lead to high risk behaviours (e.g. unsafe sex, overspending, gambling, self harm or harm to others)
» Intentional theft
» Damage to property
» Threatening communication (e.g. non-violent)
» Sleeping on campus
» Recent improvement in mood or daily motivation after a period of low mood

» Feel out of control or have panic attacks
» Increased/decreased sleep
» Self medicating
» Impaired judgement and decision making
» Impaired organisation
» May appear chaotic
» Fear regarding poor performance, letting others down
» Thoughts of escaping
» Any thoughts or expressions of suicide/ and non-suicidal self injury/harm
» Difficulty making plans for longer term
» Limited/reduced hope for future
» Depression
» Change in levels of energy
» Thoughts/behaviours out of context or character
» Guilt
» Anger/blaming others for how they feel
» History of harm to self or others
» Past mental health presentations/admission to hospital
» High anxiety, distress/agitation

» Needs psychological assessment and intervention
» Encourage them to talk to their family and close friends for support
» May help to discuss current or future workload

During University work hours:
» Discuss with the UWS Counselling Service (for students) or EAP (for staff)
» Contact UWS Security if the situation is dangerous

Outside University work hours:
» Call UWS Security to manage the immediate/potential situation
» Call an ambulance for physical or urgent mental health concerns
» Consult with a local mental health team if any behaviours listed in italics are identified