Identifying At-Risk Individuals
At some point, every person experiences feelings of depression or sadness when dealing with
life issues. However, over the course of time, some individuals exhibit distress. This suggests
that problems are more than the ‘normal’ reaction to life stressors. There are three levels of
distress which a person can demonstrate when their ‘normal’ coping mechanisms become
overwhelmed and anxiety and fear develop. This creates a heightened state of tension,
causing the person to exhibit disruptive or concerning behavior that calls for intervention.
The three levels of distress are as follows:
Level 1: Distress is the least serious behavior and includes situations that can be initially
addressed informally between the person exhibiting the behavior and the individual that the
behavior is affecting. Most often this leads to a resolution. Examples include:
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Change in classroom or work performance
Change in attendance/excessive absences from class or work
Marked change in mood or physical appearance
Changes in patterns of engagement/interaction with others
Level 2: Disturbance involves an on-going problem or a more serious incident. This may
indicate significant emotional distress or a reluctance or inability to acknowledge the need
for help. Examples include:
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Repeated requests for extension in assignments or projects; requests for special
consideration
New or regularly occurring behavior which pushes the limits and may interfere with
the classroom or work environment
Unusual or exaggerated emotional response
Level 3: Dysregulation is the most serious level. When the individual’s language or behavior
is threatening, violent or escalating toward violence to self or others, the individual has
reached a crisis stage and needs immediate assistance. Examples include:
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Highly aggressive or hostile toward self or others
Inability to communicate clearly – speech becomes garbled, slurred and thoughts are
disjointed
Overt suicidal thoughts
Homicidal threats
MMCC BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION TEAM
OFFICE OF STUDENT OVERSIGHT – UPDATED 1/2017
How can we assist individuals exhibiting disruptive or concerning behaviors?
Levels 1 & 2:
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Calmly and privately talk to the person about the concern, in a non-judgmental
fashion
Listen to the individual and communicate back to them, the general idea(s) that they
have shared with you
Provide options for handling the situation, taking into account the individual’s value
system
Connect the individual with internal resources
Make sure the individual understands what the necessary course of action is
Level 3
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Stay calm and depending on the severity of the situation: contact 9-1-1, Campus
Security or any member of the Behavior Intervention Team (BIT)
MMCC BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION TEAM
OFFICE OF STUDENT OVERSIGHT – UPDATED 1/2017