Educate yourself
There are a lot of great resources out there that can help you stay educated and learn how to help others cope with a mental illness. Remember, professional support is the goal and the best type of help, but we can always be a resource.
Signs of Depression:
•Chronic aches/pains •Loss of interest •Hopelessness •Worthlessness •Guilt •Irritability •Increased crying •Thinking about death/suicide •Change in personality •Sad/empty mood •Sleep disturbances (more or less) •Loss/gain of weight •Eating disturbances (more or less) •Difficulty concentrating •Difficulty making decisions •Not wanting to spend time with others |
Signs of Anxiety:
•Shakiness •Jumpiness •Muscles aches •Trembling •Feeling Irritable •Fear that something bad will happen •Feeling on edge •Feeling impatient •High heart rate •Difficulty breathing •Inability to relax •Worry •Tension •Chest, shoulders, neck •Fatigue |
Red Flags:
•Excessive worrying or fear •Feeling excessively sad or low •Confused thinking or problems concentrating/learning •Extreme mood changes •Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger •They don't want to hang out as much •Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired/low energy •Changes in appearance •Changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite •Change in sex drive •Difficulty perceiving reality •Abuse of substances •Multiple physical ailments •Thinking about suicide or talking about suicide •Inability to carry out day to day activities •Difficulty handling every day stress |
Signs of suicide
Warning Signs of suicide:
•Threatening to hurt or kill oneself •Seeking access to means •Talking, writing, posting on social media about death, dying, or suicide •Feeling hopeless •Feeling worthless or a lack of purpose •Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities (alcohol, drugs, sex, driving) •Feeling trapped •Increasing alcohol or drug use •Withdrawing from family, friends, or society •Demonstrating rage and anger or seeking revenge •Appearing agitated •Having a dramatic change in mood |
What you can do:
•Remain calm. •Listen closely and without judgment. •Acknowledge the pain and confusion. •Urge your friend to seek professional help. •If the person is in danger, don’t leave him or her alone. •Tell a professional. •Get support and take care of yourself. |
In case of an emergency, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1/800/273-TALK
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1/800/273-TALK
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org