A mental health crisis isn’t always loud,it can be a quiet withdrawal, a sudden silence, or a sentence spoken in despair. Recognizing these signs early can mean the difference between isolation and intervention.

1. Talking About Death or Suicide

Directly saying, “I want to die,” or indirectly: “Everyone would be better off without me.” Even passive thoughts like “I wish I wouldn’t wake up” are urgent red flags.

2. Withdrawing from Everyone

Stopping communication, skipping work or school, avoiding friends and family,even those who’ve always been close. Isolation is a silent cry for help.

3. Extreme Mood Swings

Sudden shifts from calm to rage, euphoria to despair,especially if they’re out of character or last for days. This can signal bipolar disorder, severe depression, or psychosis.

4. Neglecting Basic Self-Care

Not showering, eating, or changing clothes for days. A sudden drop in hygiene often reflects a loss of hope or energy to care for oneself.

5. Giving Away Belongings or Saying Goodbye

Unexpectedly giving away prized possessions, writing final messages, or saying things like, “This is the last time we’ll see each other.” This is a major warning sign of suicide risk.

6. Increased Substance Use

Drinking more, using drugs, or misusing prescription meds to numb pain. This often signals an attempt to escape unbearable emotions.

7. Hallucinations or Delusions

Hearing voices, seeing things others don’t, or believing false things (e.g., “The government is spying on me through my phone”),especially if new or worsening.

8. Severe Anxiety or Panic Attacks

Pounding heart, trembling, shortness of breath, feeling like you’re dying,occurring frequently or without trigger. Can signal panic disorder or acute stress.

9. Extreme Risk-Taking or Reckless Behavior

Driving dangerously, engaging in unsafe sex, spending recklessly, or putting oneself in harm’s way. Often a sign of detachment from self-preservation.

10. Inability to Function Daily

Unable to get out of bed, go to work, cook, or manage basic responsibilities,not from laziness, but from overwhelming emotional or cognitive shutdown.

What to Do If You See These Signs

• Ask directly: “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” (Asking doesn’t plant the idea,it opens the door.)
• Stay with them: Don’t leave them alone.
• Remove means: Secure firearms, medications, or sharp objects if safe to do so.
• Call for help: Go to an ER if needed.

A mental health crisis isn’t a personal failure,it’s a signal that pain has outgrown coping.

Your awareness, your voice, your presence,can save a life. You don’t need to fix it. You just need to care enough to act.