Risk Factors and Warning Signs for Mental Health Disorders
Risk factors for mental health disorders include:
- Exposure to trauma
- A severe or chronic medical condition
- Exposure to life stressors, such as job or financial loss
- Prior history or family history of mental health disorders
- Death or illness of a loved one
Warning signs for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) include:
- Exposure to trauma
- Insomnia/sleep disturbances
- Hyper-vigilance
- Distracted/restless/detached
- Avoidance of social activities
- Avoidance of trauma reminders
- Flashbacks
- Irritability/angry outbursts
- Use of drugs and alcohol to relax
- Feelings of guilt
- Being easily startled
Warning signs for depression include:
- Drastic changes in appetite
- Excessive weight loss/gain
- Exhaustion/lethargy
- Insomnia/excessive sleeping
- Loss of interest in activities
- Persistent sadness/stress
- Hopelessness/helplessness
- Visible tearfulness
- Withdrawal from friends and family
Warning signs for substance use disorders include:
- Injuries
- Use of substances to manage difficult feelings
- Difficulty meeting obligations
- Poor hygiene
- Frequent headaches, nausea, pain, or heart palpitations
- Drug-seeking behavior
- Missed appointments
- Signs of being under the influence
Warning signs for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) include:
- Insomnia/sleep disturbances
- Excessive worry
- Fidgeting, restlessness
- Digestive problems
- Excessive sweating, chills, or shaking
- Frequent appointments
- Substance use to reduce anxiety