Significant Changes in Mood

Signs and symptoms include:

• Feeling sad or down

• Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate

• Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt

• Extreme mood changes of highs and lows

• Withdrawal from friends and activities

• Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping

• Inability to cope with daily problems or stress

• Trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people

• Problems with alcohol or drug use

• Major changes in eating habits

• Excessive anger, hostility or violence

  Behavioral Changes in Adults + Teens

  Watch for changes in behavior, such as:

  • Tiredness and loss of energy

  • Insomnia or sleeping too much

  • Changes in appetite — decreased appetite and weight loss, or increased cravings for food and weight gain

  • Use of alcohol or drugs

  • Agitation or restlessness — for example, pacing, hand-wringing or an inability to sit still

  • Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements

  • Frequent complaints of unexplained body aches/headaches; may include frequent visits to the school nurse

  • Social isolation

  • Poor school performance or frequent absences from school

  • Less attention to personal hygiene or appearance

  • Angry outbursts, disruptive or risky behavior, or other acting-out behaviors

  • Self-harm — for example, cutting, burning, or excessive piercing or tattooing

  • Making a suicide plan or a suicide attempt

  ~Source guide: DSM5.

  DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is for education purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any mental health disorders. If you are experiencing a mental health condition, psychiatric or life threatening emergency, please contact call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. The national helpline for mental health services is 1800-662-HELP (4357).