Concerning Behavior

Concerning behavior is conduct that suggesting a person is at risk of harming themselves or others. The following is not an exhaustive list but provides examples of concerning behaviors or situations:

• Social Withdrawal
• Excessive feelings of isolation and/or rejection
• Feelings of being picked on
• Impaired speech or garbled, disjointed thoughts
• Dramatic weight loss or weight gain
• Alcohol or other drug abuse
• Emotions (e.g., fearfulness, tearfulness, or nervousness) displaying to an extreme degree or for prolonged periods
• Threat of harms to self or others
• Intolerance for differences (prejudicial attitudes)
• Unusual or abrupt changes in behaviors or patterns;
• Extreme reaction to a loss or traumatic event;
• Preoccupation with weapons, violent events or persons who have engaged in violent acts;
• Threats of violence (direct or indirect)
• Talking about weapons or bombs
• Recent loss or disappointment (death, relationship, academic)
• Uncharacteristically poor performance;
• References to harming others or planning a violent or destructive event;
• Evidence of depression, hopelessness, or suicidal thoughts/plans;
• Inappropriate responses such as prolonged irritability, angry outbursts, or intense reactions;
• Strained interpersonal relations, isolating behaviors, or low self-esteem;
• Significant change in life circumstances such as loss of job or relationship

Warning Signs

• Possession of firearm or other weapon
• Suicide threats or statements, gestures, or recent attempts
• Detailed recent threats of violence
• Severe rage for seemingly minor reasons
• Severe destruction of property
• Serious physical fighting with peers, family, or others
• Rehearsing an attack or ambush

Again, these are just examples of behaviors that may cause concern. If you observe or become aware of situations that cause concern for safety, consult with colleagues, supervisors or university officials and report your concerns.

Reporting Concerns: “It may be nothing, but…”

If you have concerns about a person or situation, even if you think it may be nothing, you are encouraged to share the information. The information you provide, no matter how trivial it may seem by itself, may be critical to understanding a broader range of problematic or threatening behavior.

Please call the UNT Health Science Center Police Department emergency line at 817-735-2600 or dial 2600 from any campus phone, if you think the person’s behavior poses a physical threat to the health or safety of the person involved or the UNTHSC campus community. (examples: angry outburst, threats of harming self or others, irrational conversation or speech).