Signs to look for
Body
Changes in a person’s physical appearance, mood, thoughts and behaviours may be signs that they need support. Everyone deals with things differently, so any combination of the signs may indicate that someone you know needs a hand.
Changes in physical appearance
- more tired than usual
- less attention to own appearance
- increasing physical health issues, such as frequent headaches or migraine, muscle tension and digestive issues
- loss of appetite
- increased appetite
- fidgety and nervous
- drinking more alcohol than usual
- increasing tobacco or caffeine use, or
- sleeping less or more than usual.
Mood changes
- more irritable than usual
- anxious and worried about everything
- becoming angry quickly and often unexpectedly
- emotional overreactions to situations, or
- overwhelmed by activities that were previously manageable.
Behavioural changes
- more withdrawn than usual
- not enjoying usual hobbies or interests
- difficulty concentrating and/or often distracted, or
- working more and avoiding social situations.
Changes in how thoughts are conveyed
- interpreting most situations negatively
- taking everything personally
- complaining of constant negative thoughts, and an inability to distract from these thoughts, or
- thoughts are confused or irrational.
Whatever the reason for the changes, when people receive support quickly they have better chances of positive outcomes.