The following symptoms usually signal the need for professional help. Only a
trained professional can diagnose and determine the treatment needed.
Thinking or talking about suicide
Seeing or hearing things that aren't
actually present
Suspiciousness or paranoia
Strange or grandiose ideas
Crippling or excessive anxieties (fears or
phobias)
Wide mood swings (extreme highs and lows)
Prolonged depression and apathy (a sense of
hopelessness, loss of pleasure in life, confusion or constant frustration)
Marked personality change
Compulsive behaviors (i.e., over spending,
overeating, excessive exercising)
Marked changes in eating or sleeping
patterns
Excessive anger or hostility; destructive,
abusive, or violent behavior
Problems with the law
Difficulty with authority
Abuse of alcohol and/or other drugs
Difficulty interacting with other people
(spouse, parents, children, coworkers, and friends)
Denial of obvious problems; strong
resistance to receiving help
Social withdrawal and isolation
Inability to cope with the loss of a loved
one
Extreme jealousy
Preoccupation with physical illness
Overall decline in job performance
Problems on the job
A feeling that you've lost control of your
life
Inability to cope with problems or daily
activities such as school, job or personal needs
Sexual problems
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/01/99