Mental health is the wellness of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. The state of your mental health affects how you act, think, and feel about the world around you. A healthy mental state is important at every stage of life, from childhood to older adulthood.
Identifying the signs of emotional suffering in yourself and the people around you is an excellent place to start. Understanding when someone is struggling with mental illness or a mental disorder gives you the power to act, empower, and protect that person.
Personality Changes This change doesn't seem to fit the person's values or typical habits. These changes may include:
Sleeping much more or less
Increased issues with self-esteem
Apathy
Difficulty dealing with stress
Difficulty regulating emotions
Low energy
Extreme Sadness
Feeling Withdrawn Similar to personality changes, you may notice the person is less interested in engaging socially or in activities they typically enjoy. They may struggle with the following:
Isolate and withdraw from families and friends
Stop taking part in activities they typically enjoy
Struggle to make it to work, school, or other responsibilities
Pull away from social support
May delete social media
Start giving away important possessions or financial assets
Feeling Agitated The person may experience more emotional swings, especially negative emotions. This often includes:
Sudden bursts of anger
Inability to cope
Irritability
High anxiety
Racing or clouded thoughts
Talks too much or too little
Difficulty paying attention
Inner tension
Increase in impulsive actions
Feeling Hopeless The person used to be optimistic but now they can't find anything to be hopeful about. They may be:
Overwhelmed
Apathetic
Suffer from extreme or prolonged grief
Have feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Say the world would be better off without them
Looking in to ways to buy guns, save pills, research suicide methods, or do other things to prepare for suicide
Poor Self Care You may notice signs the person is not taking care of their body or living environment. This may include:
Stop taking care of themselves (stopped showering, wearing clothes several days in a row, stop getting haircuts, gain or lose a lot of weight, stop eating or over eat, stop brushing their teeth, stop cleaning their home, etc.)
To Ask Start a conversation. Tell them you have noticed a few things from the 5 signs.
"I've noticed....."
"You seem different..."
"Seems like something is on your mind."
"Are you suicidal?"
If YES, "Do you have a plan?"
"How do you hurt?" and "How can I help?"
Focus on their reasons for living and not your reasons for them to stay alive.
Be There
Let them know you are there for them and that you care for them.
Take them seriously, don't judge.
Actively listen.
Ask open ended questions. These are questions that keep them talking and don't allow Yes or No responses.
Listen and reflect back what they have said.
Do not commit to anything you are not willing or able to accomplish.
Keep Them Safe This step is all about showing support for someone.
Never leave them alone if they are suicidal.
Knowing the person's plan will let you know the severity of danger the person is in.
Reduce access to lethal items or places.
This step may include calling for emergency help like 911.
Help them Connect
Help them develop a safety plan including a list of individuals they can contact and plans for a mental health crisis.
Help connect them with someone they trust. They may include the 988 Suicide Prevention hotline, a parent or family member, a teacher/counselor/principal, a social worker, 911 or an emergency room.
Follow Up After you have helped them connect and made a safety plan, make sure to follow up to see how they are doing:
Regularly leave messages, send a text, or give them a call.
Check in and see if there is more you are capable of helping with.
Follow up with anything you said you would do.
You are not responsible for knowing what to do. Just find someone who does.
Note: #BeThere and #BeThe1To information from the CDC and BeThe1To.
Local Suicide Coalitions
Offer education to community members and schools, provide QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) trainings, coordinate local community events, bring speakers to the area, and raise awareness to end the stigma around suicide and mental disorders.