MOOD MATTERS
This can involve feeling sad, empty, or hopeless much of the time.
What is depressed mood?
Excessive worry or fear about everyday situations can be a symptom of this.
What is anxiety?
Expecting negative outcomes and focusing on the worst possible result is an example of this type of thinking
What is pessimism? ( Ex- “I’m going to fail, so there’s no point in trying.”)
Spending less time with friends and family or avoiding social activities can be called this.
What is social withdrawal?
A person can talk with this type of professional about emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and coping strategies.
What is a therapist or mental health counselor?
Losing interest or pleasure in activities that someone normally enjoys can be a symptom of this.
What is loss of interest or pleasure (anhedonia)?
Sweating, trembling, racing heart, and shortness of breath can occur during an intense episode of this.
What is a panic attack?
Hearing, seeing, or sensing something that others do not perceive may be an example of this symptom.
What is a hallucination?
Difficulty keeping up with bathing, grooming, eating, cleaning, or other everyday tasks may indicate problems with this.
What is daily functioning?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can evaluate mental health conditions and, when appropriate, prescribe this.
What is medication?
Someone experiencing this symptom may have very little energy and feel tired even after resting.
What is fatigue?
This symptom can occur when a person feels “on edge,” or unable to relax because of ongoing anxiety.
What is restlessness?
A strongly held belief that is not supported by evidence and is difficult to change may be called this.
What is a delusion?
EXAMPLES
“My neighbors are sending secret messages to me through the television.”
“People on the news are specifically talking about me.”
“Someone is secretly poisoning my food,” despite no evidence that this is happening.
Suddenly losing interest in hobbies, activities, or relationships that once mattered can be a warning sign that someone may need this.
What is support?
A person who has experienced similar mental health challenges can provide encouragement, understanding, and hope through this type of support.
What is peer support?
A person with schizophrenia may experience symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and changes in behavior. These symptoms are commonly referred to as this type of symptom.
What are psychotic symptoms?
A person experiencing anxiety may have trouble doing this at night because their mind is filled with worry and racing thoughts.
What is sleeping?
When thoughts become difficult to organize or speech becomes difficult for others to follow, this may be described as this.
What is disorganized thinking or speech?
Using alcohol or drugs to cope with difficult emotions can become an unhealthy coping strategy and may make this worse.
What are mental health symptoms?
This is a healthy strategy that can include exercise, relaxation, journaling, hobbies, social connection, and getting enough sleep.
What is self-care or healthy coping?
A person may experience unusually high energy, a decreased need for sleep, rapid speech, and increased activity during this type of mood episode.
What is mania or hypomania?
Anxiety symptoms can affect concentration, sleep, muscles, and the body's “fight-or-flight” response. This illustrates that mental health can affect both the mind and this.
What is the body?
A person experiencing unusual perceptions or beliefs may become frightened or confused. One helpful response from others is to remain calm, avoid arguing about the experience, and encourage this.
What is professional support?
Taking prescribed medication as directed—including following the recommended dose and schedule—is often called this.
What is medication adherence (or medication compliance)?
When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis and may be in immediate danger of harming themselves or someone else, the safest choice is to seek this level of help right away.
What is emergency or crisis support?
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline