Recognizing Signs of a Mental Health Issue: What to Look For

There can be many signs that a person may need help for a mental disorder, some common signs to watch for include:

1. Significant and lasting changes in behavior or mood.

2. Difficulty completing everyday tasks or activities.

3. Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness or worthlessness.

4. Withdrawal from friends, family and social activities.

5. Unusual or excessive risk taking or impulsive behaviors.

6. Changes in appetite, sleep patterns or energy levels.

7. Difficulty concentrating, remembering things or making decisions.

8. Unexplained physical complaints such as headaches or stomach pain.

9. Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there) or delusions (beliefs that are not based in reality).

10. Talking about harming oneself or others or attempts at self-harm.

If you or someone you know is experiencing several of these signs, it's important to seek help from a mental health professional to assess the situation and determine if there's a need for treatment or support.