Any person can experience a stressful day, feel sad or are upset at themselves. But there are signs to watch for in your friends and family that might indicate they are experiencing a mental health crisis. When a person’s thinking, feeling or behavior seems out of the ordinary, you might be concerned. If you see the following symptoms in someone you love, it might warrant a talk with a mental health therapist or your Guidance Counselor:

• presents excessive worry or fear
• expresses a deep sadness or feels excessively low
• tells you they are thinking of suicide
• has extreme mood changes
• if a social person all of the sudden begins to isolate themselves
• eating or sleeping habits change
• seems to be having difficulty perceiving realty
• someone you love starts drinking or abusing drugs
• a family member seems to not be able to carry out daily activities
• your classmate has an extreme fear of gaining weight

If you have any questions, please feel free to call Madison County mental Health at 740-845-7285 or Maryhaven at 9537-644-9192, or talk with Sue Ellen Hughes who is in the Guidance Office on Thursdays.