Signs of Distress Violent behavior is often preceded by signs
that indicate a person is not coping well. Being familiar with
these signs of distress can alert you to a problem so that it
can be addressed as early as possible. The following signs of
distress should raise concerns about the potential for an
individual to engage in violent behavior. They may be behaviors
that you observe or that are reported to you by coworkers, other
students, faculty or TAs, etc. If violent behavior occurs, it
may be self directed or directed at others. - Reacting angrily
or emotionally in a way that seems disproportionate to the
situation. - Making direct or veiled threats about harming or
killing one's self or others. - Making unusual references to, or
being preoccupied with violent incidents that have made the
news. - Engaging in intimidating, belligerent, insubordinate,
defiant, or challenging behavior. - Being confrontational,
angry, or behaving in an unpredictable, restless, or agitated
manner. - Having a history of viol