Never be afraid to ask for help

If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Many people battle with mental illness, and you may not always understand what’s going on in your mind or with your emotions and thoughts.

These signs are not always universal.

Some people may show behavioral changes, while others show physical symptoms, and some may show both or neither. However, if you recognize any of these signs for more than several days in yourself or someone you care about, seeking help should always be your first step so they can get the care they need.

Signs to watch out for

Here are twelve signs of someone going through a tough time that you might notice in yourself or a loved one that are good reasons to reach out and talk with someone.

1. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, depressed mood, poor self-esteem, or guilt
2. Withdrawal from friends, family, and activities you used to enjoy
3. Changes in eating or sleeping patterns. Are you sleeping all the time or having trouble falling asleep? Are you gaining weight or never hungry?
4. Anger, rage, or craving revenge. Are you overreacting to criticism?
5. Feeling tired or exhausted all the time
6. Trouble concentrating, thinking, remembering, or making decisions. Are you suddenly struggling in school? Are your grades dropping?
7. Restless, irritable, agitated, or anxious movements or behaviors
8. Crying for no reason, or more regularly
9. Neglect of personal care. Have you stopped caring about your appearance, or stopped keeping up with your personal hygiene?
10. Reckless or impulsive behaviors. Are you drinking or using drugs excessively? Are you behaving unsafely in other ways?
11. Persistent physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems, or chronic pain that do not respond to routine treatment
12. Thoughts about death or suicide

Statements to pay attention to

Here are some phrases that indicate you or your friend should probably seek help.

• “It’s just so hard to get out of bed lately.”
• “I just can’t deal with life right now.”
• “I just want to sleep and never wake up.”
• “Everything is too much.”

Seeking help is really worth it
We’ve collected some referral resources with some of the many places you can turn for advice, support, and treatment. Getting help can get you feeling better.

Let’s talk about suicide

If you’re worried someone you care about is thinking about suicide, immediate action is critical. While the topic of suicide may be triggering or uncomfortable for some, research shows that asking if someone is suicidal does not incite or increase thoughts of suicide.

Talking to someone about suicide can be uncomfortable, but it could also save a life.

These warning signs of suicide demand IMMEDIATE attention

• Threats to hurt oneself, or talking about wanting to hurt oneself, or somebody else
• Talking or writing about suicide or death, especially when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person
• Obtaining or looking for ways to hurt oneself by seeking access to means of suicide
• Giving away prized possessions and other personal things

IF YOU NOTICE THESE SIGNS IN YOURSELF OR A LOVED ONE, YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY:

• Call 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
• Go to an emergency room or mental health walk-in clinic.
• Make sure they are not alone until professional help arrives.
• Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs, or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.

Discover Active Minds Programs

Send Silence Packing®
An immersive experience that illustrates the stories and centers the voices of youth as they guide us through their mental health journeys to end the silence surrounding mental health.

Learn how to help a friend
Active Minds and MTV’s A.S.K. — Acknowledge, Support, Keep-in-Touch — the new “stop, drop, and roll” of emotional support.

Find a Chapter
Peer-led mental health advocacy groups, equipped to mobilize and change the conversation about mental health in their school and communities.

The content on this site is intended for educational purposes only and should not take the place of talking with your doctor or healthcare professional. It should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. If you have any questions about your medical condition, talk to your healthcare professional.