Often our friends, neighbors, co-workers, and even family members are suffering emotionally and
don’t recognize the symptoms or won’t ask for help.

Take the pledge, learn the Five Signs of emotional suffering so you can recognize them in yourself or help a loved one who may be in emotional pain.

Here are five signs that may mean someone is in emotional pain and might need help:

Personality changes.
You may notice sudden or gradual changes in the way that someone typically behaves.
People in this situation may behave in ways that don't seem to fit their values, or the person
may just seem different.

Uncharacteristically angry, anxious, agitated, or moody.
You may notice the person has more frequent problems controlling his or her temper and
seems irritable or unable to calm down. People in more extreme situations of this kind may
be unable to sleep or may explode in anger at a minor problem.

Withdrawal or isolation from other people.
Someone who used to be socially engaged may pull away from family and friends and stop
taking part in activities that used to be enjoyable. In more severe cases the person may start
failing to make it to work or school. Not to be confused with the behavior of someone who is
more introverted, this sign is marked by a change in a person’s typical sociability, as when
someone pulls away from the social support typically available.

May neglect self-care and engage in risky behavior.
You may notice a change in the person's level of personal care or an act of poor judgment.
For instance, someone may let personal hygiene deteriorate, or the person may start abusing
alcohol or illicit substances or engaging in other self-destructive behavior that may alienate
loved ones.

Overcome with hopelessness and overwhelmed by circumstances.
Have you noticed someone who used to be optimistic and now can’t find anything to be
hopeful about? That person may be suffering from extreme or prolonged grief, or feelings of
worthlessness or guilt. People in this situation may say that the world would be better off
without them, suggesting suicidal thinking.

IF YOU RECOGNIZE THAT SOMEONE IN YOUR LIFE IS SUFFERING, NOW WHAT?
You connect, you reach out, you inspire hope, and you offer help. Show compassion and caring and
a willingness to find a solution when the person may not have the will or drive to do it alone. There
are many resources in our communities.