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Could You Recognize the 5 Signs of Mental Illness?

Posted: 7.20.2016

Nearly one in five people have a diagnosable mental health condition, but often the signs are so subtle that others in their lives don’t realize they are suffering emotionally and may need help.

Recently, representatives from behavioral health, businesses, education, law enforcement, medical care, and policy makers in New Hampshire joined together to launch the Campaign to Change Direction New Hampshire, the first state-wide effort of The Campaign to Change Direction, a national initiative to change the culture of mental health in America. To learn more about this campaign, click here.  One of the goals of the campaign is to make sure that everyone knows the following five signs that may mean someone is in emotional pain and might need help.

  1. Personality changes. Someone starts behaving differently or in ways that go against their values.

  2. Agitation. The person seems more irritable or angry, possibly exploding in anger over a minor problem. They are unable to sleep or to calm down.

  3. Withdrawal.  The person withdraws or isolates themselves from other people, even though they used to be socially engaged. They stop participating in activities they used to enjoy.

  4. Poor self-care.  Someone may let his or her personal hygiene deteriorate or may start abusing alcohol or other substances or engaging in other self-destructive behavior that may alienate loved ones.

  5. Hopelessness. Someone who used to be optimistic now can’t find anything to be hopeful about. They may be suffering from extreme or prolonged grief, or feelings of worthlessness or guilt. People in this situation may say that the world would be better off without them, suggesting suicidal thinking.

If you are a HealthTrust enrollee or covered family member, you have access to mental health services, including free counseling sessions, through the LifeResources Employee Assistance Program. For details click the Slice of Life box on our home page, or log in to your secure account and click the Slice of Life icon.