Common Signs & Symptoms

The following are a list of common signs and symptoms that would suggest speaking with a medical or mental health professional for an assessment to determine if there is a mental health condition in which treatment would be appropriate. Pay attention to sudden changes in thoughts and behaviors. Several signs or symptoms below would be an indication that someone should be seen for an assessment (not just 1 change - *with the exception of having suicidal thoughts). Just like medical health, we all have mental health we need to take care of. Mental health treatment can and does make a difference with helping individuals return to their “normal”. Early intervention has the best outcomes.

Some signs and symptoms of a mental health condition are signs and symptoms of a medical condition. Do not wait to seek help for yourself or someone you love if there is a need.

• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, depressed mood, poor self-esteem, or guilt
• Feeling tired or exhausted all of the time
• Trouble concentrating, staying focused, making decisions, thinking or remembering
• Withdrawal from family and friends, and from activities that were once enjoyed
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns (too much, too little)
• Anger or rage, overreacting to minimal events
• Persistent physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or other pain that do not have a medical explanation or do not respond to routine treatment.
• Reckless or impulsive behaviors that are unsafe and could result in harm to self/others
• Excessive worry or fear
• Hallucinations and/or delusions (hears/sees what others do not, or has difficulty perceiving reality)
• Sudden use or increased use of substances
• Extreme mood changes, feeling uncontrollable highs and lows with no triggering event
• Neglect of personal hygiene, decline of upkeep of living space
• Decline in school performance or work performance
• Inability to carry out daily tasks or manage daily problems
• Frequent crying spells
• Feeling irritable or agitated most of the time
• Feeling disconnected or numb
• *Thinking about suicide

TEENS: Typical versus Troubling

Children

Children, especially younger children, do not have the capacity to express their feelings verbally and will instead show these emotions through their behavior. Anger is often expressed when there is an inability for a child to express how they are feeling. Mental health conditions in children can look very different from an adult or teen and the same mental health condition may look different even among two children the same age. Below are some behaviors and symptoms that may be indicators for concern and further assessment for children should they persist more than a couple of weeks or if there is interference with daily functioning of the child or family.

If a child’s behavior is unsafe, or if a child talks about wanting to hurt him or herself or someone else, then seek help immediately.

• Frequent nightmares
• Frequent temper tantrums or irritable most of the time
• Avoidant behaviors (refusing to go to school, running out of the classroom often, etc.)
• Frequent disobedience or aggression
• Hyperactivity
• Changes with eating and/or sleeping habits
• Excessive worry, anxiety, or often talks about fears
• Disinterest in playing with friends or has difficulties making friends

Warning Signs

Someone may be at risk for suicide

Talking About Suicide:

Just a few examples may include verbal statements such as:

• “I’d be better off dead.”
• "I hate my life.” 
• “You would be better off without me around." 
• “I wish I was dead.”
• “I am going to kill myself.”

Nonverbal communication:

• writings, drawings, text, social media posts.

Mood: 

• Hopelessness 
• Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Increased irritability or aggressiveness
• Withdrawal from family, friends
• Increased Anxiety
• Sudden changes in personality

Behavior:

• Avoidance of people, places, activities 
• Changes in sleep habits
• Giving away prized possessions or “getting affairs in order”
• Seeking access to firearms, pills, etc
• Increased alcohol or drug use
• Behavior that is Reckless in nature
• History of suicide attempts
• Poor Hygiene
• Declining performance at school or work
• Preoccupation with death

*Sudden improvement in mood with no obvious explanation (A person who has made the decision to end their life often shows improved mood)