![View from above of student in CRX.](/campus-life/sites/g/files/bhrskd281/files/styles/max_width_l_1470px/public/2021-08/HelpingSomeone.jpg?itok=x_eGBiwe)
Helping someone
Recognize unusual behaviour
Do you see any behaviour that may be out of character or unusual for someone? Early intervention plays a key role in supporting mental health challenges.
![moose](/campus-life/sites/g/files/bhrskd281/files/2022-12/uottawa-health-and-wellness-characters%28okanagan%29v1-modified-modified.png)
![in crisis](/campus-life/sites/g/files/bhrskd281/files/styles/max_width_l_1470px/public/2022-10/uottawa-health-and-wellness-icon%28in-crisis%29-v5.png?itok=Fm-yo14W)
High risk of harm
Behaviour that is violent, destructive, harmful, aggressive or threatening to self or others. This is an emergency.
- Are they thinking frequently of harming themselves, or seriously considering suicide?
- Are they missing most of their classes or work?
![struggling](/campus-life/sites/g/files/bhrskd281/files/styles/max_width_l_1470px/public/2022-10/uottawa-health-and-wellness-icon%28struggling%29-v5.png?itok=ZnEq75XL)
Moderate risk of harm
Changes in personal appearance and hygiene, low mood, avoidance of people, substance use concerns, disorganized thinking, expressions of hopelessness, or references to suicide.
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Avoiding family, coworkers and friends or feeling isolated.
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Stopped taking care of themselves or their personal hygiene.
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Something unexpected happened in their life, like a death or accident.
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Taking substances, like drugs or alcohol to cope.
![managing](/campus-life/sites/g/files/bhrskd281/files/styles/max_width_l_1470px/public/2022-10/uottawa-health-and-wellness-icon%28managing%29-v5.png?itok=Vip5HgUu)
Low risk of harm
Difficulty with studies, family or relationship problems, chronic health conditions, difficulty concentrating, issues with sleep, increased interpersonal conflict.
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Feeling overwhelmed in their studies or work.
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Having family or relationship issues.
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Having difficulties concentrating or with sleeping.