11/12/2025
Mental Health Early Warning Signs
Early warning signs often emerge at the onset or worsening of mental illness symptoms. Simply, put these warning signs are any thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that significantly impair day-to-day functioning — such as feeling excessively sad or low — and they may indicate you need help.
Understandably, if you are experiencing unusual thoughts and feelings, you may prefer to ignore them or expect them to pass, but ultimately, it is in your best interest to address them as soon as possible. Otherwise, these feelings and behaviors could lead to worsening symptoms, an episode, relapse or even self-harm.
Make a Plan
Having a plan to address your symptoms and specific needs will allow you to move forward more effectively when warning signs emerge. Importantly, your plan should include alternate ways to perform daily activities that may be impacted; for example, you may need to secure work accommodations. You’ll want the plan to include:
Monitoring. Monitor for warning signs on a regular basis; this will allow you to quickly identify concerns before they escalate. Even if your situation improves, continue to closely monitor how you’re feeling.
Reaching out for help. You should have a sense of when you need to reach out for help, and what the help you need looks like. In some cases, you’ll need medical attention, and in others, you may be able to rely on self-care coping strategies.
Supporters. Identify key supporters. Let them know your warning signs in advance and explain how they can help. Supporters can often better detect deviations from your baseline than you can. Listen to them if they show concern. Know when you need to reach out to health care providers and have a plan in place with them as well.
For more information on Mental Health, please visit: https://www.nami.org/recovery/understanding-the-early-warning-signs-of-mental-illness/
