In the busyness of today, it’s easy to be in our own world and miss some very common warning signs of someone going through a mental health crisis.
Read and remember these indicators of mental distress, from the National Alliance on Mental Illness:
- Inability to perform daily tasks: Person fails to do everyday tasks such as brushing or combing hair, showering or brushing teeth
- Rapid mood swings: Person can go from pacing and inability to stay still, to being suddenly depressed, withdrawn or suddenly happy or calm after a period of depression
- Increased agitation: Person makes verbal threats and is violent to him/herself or others or destroys property
- Abusive behavior to self and others: This can include substance use or self-harm (cutting).
- Isolation: Choosing to be alone rather than go to work or school or spend time with family and friends
- Losing touch with reality: Person may not recognize family and friends, has strange ideas or confusion, hears voices or sees things that are not there.
- Paranoia: Person has suspicions or mistrust of others without evidence or justification
If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental health crisis, call the NAMI HelpLine at 800-950-NAMI (6264) or text NAMI to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
