What emotional distress can look like

Over the course of your life, it is likely you or someone you know may experience mental health concerns. It is important to recognize and understand the signs and symptoms of someone who may be struggling.

Emotional distress is most apparent through behavior changes. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) outlines a number of developments that may indicate you, a co-worker or someone you love is experiencing a mental or emotional concern.

  • Withdrawal – Recent social withdrawal and loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed

  • Drop in functioning – An unusual drop in functioning, at home and at work, such as inability to complete chores or difficulty performing familiar tasks

  • Problems thinking – Lack of concentration, memory, logical thought or speech issues

  • Sleep or appetite changes – Dramatic changes such as excessive sleeping, chronic insomnia or rapid weight gain or loss

  • Decline in personal care – A loss of interest in appearance and hygiene

  • Mood changes – Rapidly worsening depressed feelings or dramatic shifts in expressed emotions, such as going from euphoria to despondence

  • Increased sensitivity – Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells or touch; avoidance of over-stimulating situations

  • Apathy – Loss of initiative or desire to participate in any activity

  • Feeling disconnected – A vague feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one’s surroundings; a sense of unreality

  • Illogical thinking – Unusual or exaggerated beliefs about personal powers to understand meanings or influence events; illogical or “magical” thinking

  • Nervousness – Fear or suspiciousness of others or a strong nervous feeling

  • Unusual behavior – Odd, uncharacteristic, peculiar behavior

One or two of these symptoms alone may not predict a mental illness but can indicate the need to encourage the individual to seek further evaluation. However, if a person is experiencing several at one time and their ability to work, study or relate to others is being impacted, they should be seen by a physician or mental health professional.

Someone with suicidal thoughts or intent, or thoughts of harming others, needs immediate attention, such as calling 911 or visiting the nearest emergency room.

Ready to talk about mental health with a co-worker, loved one or classmate? Visit the conversation starters page for guidance.

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