15 Signs Someone is Facing a Mental Health Crisis

If you suspect that you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, it's important to recognize the impact it can have on relationships with family and friends. Historically, there has been a profound connection between mind, body, and spirit. These elements of our existence are interdependent, and an imbalance in one can disrupt the whole. Mental breakdowns are a daily occurrence due to life's challenges, with numerous potential triggers deteriorating mental well-being.

A mental health crisis occurs when an individual's behavior poses a risk to themselves or potentially others. Their actions, thoughts, or speech may change. Fortunately, there are often signs of distress, and proactive steps can be taken to assist.

FIFTEEN SIGNS OF A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS

Are you aware of the signs of a mental health crisis? It's essential to remember that triggers and the severity of symptoms can differ greatly from person to person. Recognizing the warning signs and knowing how to respond can facilitate timely support and prevent escalation.

Regrettably, many individuals are unaware they are on the verge of a mental breakdown. Being able to identify concerning symptoms is crucial. Below are the most prevalent indicators of a mental health crisis.

1. HALLUCINATIONS OR DELUSIONS

Hearing or seeing things that others cannot is a common experience for those undergoing a mental breakdown. They may hear their name being called when no one is present. Hallucinations and delusions lead individuals to perceive or believe things without external verification.

This can be likened to the sensations experienced by someone who has ingested an excessive amount of a potent drug, leaving them in a bewildered state. A person in the midst of a mental crisis often becomes disconnected from reality, with hallucinations being a frequent occurrence.

A genuine psychotic episode can impair both cognitive functions and physical sensations. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial, and seeking immediate assistance is essential.

2. PARANOIA

Paranoid feelings are commonly associated with conditions such as Schizophrenia, but they can also manifest during a mental health crisis. Paranoia involves an intense mistrust of one's surroundings. 

For instance, someone undergoing a psychotic break may distrust the food they're given, fearing it has been poisoned. Such paranoia is a significant indicator that something is amiss mentally.

3. IRRITABILITY

Irritability and mood swings, while similar, are distinct. An irritable person may appear grouchy, sensitive, and on edge, often making them difficult to interact with due to their short temper. While irritability by itself isn't indicative of a breakdown, it becomes concerning when it occurs alongside other warning signs.

4. DEPRESSION

Depression can stem from various causes, including chemical imbalances in the brain or life circumstances, as noted by Harvard Health Publishing. Identifying and addressing the root issues is crucial. Persistent depression and a diminishing interest in previously enjoyed activities may indicate an impending mental health crisis.

5. NEGLECTING RESPONSIBILITIES

Neglecting responsibilities is a warning sign. When someone starts forgetting to attend work, leaves their children at school, or neglects to shut off running water, it suggests a disruption in their normal routine. This can be indicative of a person struggling with a crisis, unable to recall their usual tasks.

6. RESTLESSNESS

Restlessness can resemble anxiety and may stem from it. A restless individual might pace back and forth, seem on edge, and exhibit irritability and moodiness.

7. ISOLATION

Being inherently social creatures, humans flourish in the company of others. Self-isolation is a concerning behavior, indicating a potential decline in mental health.

While it doesn't necessarily signify a loss of reality, it could result from anxiety, depression, or other factors. If you or someone you know is withdrawing from social interaction due to a declining mental state, it's a sign that intervention may be needed.

8. SUICIDAL IDEATIONS

When life’s troubles get so heavy, an individual may experience a mental crisis and wish to die. Some don’t see a reason to get up in the morning, which would fall into the depression category. However, someone who thinks and plans a way to kill themselves has suicidal ideations.

9. HYGIENE ISSUES

One of the first ways you can tell if someone is having mental issues is their hygiene. A person who is always well-kempt that suddenly has a not so fresh smell may be in trouble.

When people don’t feel like themselves, they will let essential things like hygiene fall. They don’t want to smell that way, but they might truthfully forget to bathe or even care if they didn’t.

10. DISSOCIATIVE AMNESIA

While a person may forget to get the kids at school, there is another type of forgetfulness that is more concerning. It’s the inability to recall dates, times, or events in their life. There is dissociative amnesia that is a coping skill the mind uses to keep it from further harm. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these episodes are categorized as localized, generalized, or fugue.

11. OBSESSED WITH MEDICAL SYMPTOMS

Many people turn to the internet to research symptoms they're experiencing. While occasionally looking up information is fine, it can become an obsession. Individuals with hypochondria constantly fear that something is wrong with them and seek answers relentlessly.

They may undergo numerous tests, and even if results show nothing wrong, they persist in believing it's not imagined. Hypochondria is a distinct mental health condition, but it may also signal the onset of a mental breakdown.

12. APPETITE CHANGES

Significant weight changes can indicate a problem. Gaining or losing more than 10 pounds rapidly is concerning. During a mental health crisis, a person might overeat or not eat at all. Such drastic changes in eating habits should be assessed.

13. SLEEPING TOO MUCH OR TOO LITTLE

Sleep patterns are closely tied to mental health. Therefore, sleeping excessively or insufficiently could stem from a mental health condition. Insomnia might occur alongside mental health challenges, as can a desire to sleep excessively.

These symptoms could also point to depression, which might be a component of a mental breakdown or an independent diagnosis.

14. ANXIETY AND FEAR

A person that once was full of life and could do anything may now be fearful of leaving home. They may be unable to get behind the wheel of the car or even go to the grocery store. Anxiety and fear can do a number on someone, and it’s enough to make them shut down.

A mental health crisis doesn't always manifest as a desire for self-harm or harm to others; it can also lead a person to want to close off and wish the world away.

15. MOOD SWINGS

Mood swings can be a significant indicator that something is amiss. An individual struggling with mental health issues may experience rapid shifts from intense happiness to profound sadness within moments. It's important to recognize that not all mood swings are concerning, and distinguishing between harmless and dangerous ones is crucial.

Dangerous mood swings may include:

• Threatening or engaging in violence towards others
• Intense anger resulting in the destruction of objects
• Excessive elation over trivial matters
• Impulses of self-harm

Addressing violent mood swings is challenging, but it's essential to understand that the individual may not be aware of these intense emotional changes.

A Psychology Today article highlights the escalating mental health crisis in America. People are experiencing unprecedented levels of unhappiness and stress. Imagine you're a rubber band.

An unexpected bill stretches you a bit more. Falling ill and missing two weeks of work without pay stretches you further. Then, the death of a loved one pushes you to the brink, and the rubber band stretches to the point of breaking.

Broken and scattered, you attempt to piece yourself back together, but it's challenging without assistance. Fortunately, there are numerous methods to mend your mental health, including therapy, medication, yoga, and counseling. You have the power to manage your mind and utilize nature and mindfulness to soothe your mental distress.