The Warning Signs and How to Spot Mental Health Red Flags
Strong resistance to attending school or absenteeism. Problems with memory, attention or concentration. Big changes in energy levels, eating or sleeping patterns. Physical symptoms (stomach aches, headaches, backaches)
In mental health triage can be undertaken face to face or via telephone: 'red flags' include suicidal ideas, intent or actions, violence and aggression set in the context of psychosis and specific items such as command hallucinations, delusional misidentification and grandiose delusions.
Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate. Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt. Extreme mood changes of highs and lows. Withdrawal from friends and activities.
Our bodies' give is warning signs that tell us when we are not feeling well that can be related to our thoughts and anxieties. We can feel dizzy, headaches, constant stomachaches, heart racing, etc. If these symptoms are everyday and persistent, it is a “red flag”.
7. Extreme emotional reactions. If someone displays unmanageable emotions and easily flies off the handle, this is a serious red flag. Responding with uncontrollable rage or the "silent treatment" could point to abusive (physical or emotional) behavior in the future, says Trombetti.
The mental health flag quickly became popular. The world was ready for a symbol to represent our shared desire for mental health awareness. The flag has been sold in all 50 states as well as many other counties across the globe.
Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event. Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks) Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event. Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event.
A nervous breakdown, also known as a mental health crisis or mental breakdown, describes a period of intense mental distress. A person having a nervous breakdown is temporarily not able to function in their everyday life.
Serious Mental Illness (SMI) – SMI is a smaller and more severe subset of mental illnesses; SMI is defined as one or more mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder(s) resulting in serious functional impairment, which substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities (NIMH).
A psychotic episode or disorder will result in the presence of one or more of the following five categories: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thought, disorganized behavior, negative symptoms.
Binge eating, sleeping, avoiding people interactions whenever possible, feeling low on energy, overthinking, experiencing aches or numbness too often, contemplating the meaning of life, and more. Most of these habits or feelings might sound familiar to you.
