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MENTAL HEALTH CHECKLIST

Please Note: Experiencing some
or all of the below does not necessarily indicate a mental health disorder. Only a certified mental health professional can provide a diagnosis. But we share them as a tool to help heighten awareness of ourselves and those we love.

If you notice any or all of these behaviors in yourself or someone you love, track them so you will have a clear record of behaviors when seeking professional help.

Something feels different: perhaps there’s greater confusion or moodiness
Especially make note of these if there are no apparent triggering stressors (like a recent death of someone close, a breakup or job loss).
There’s a significant change in healthy sleeping patterns. Difficulty falling or staying asleep, sleeping excessively, or not wanting to get out of bed signal the need for support
Wanting to be isolated and not participating in activities with others. You or a loved one begin to isolate from people and activities once loved
Changes in eating habits, such as overeating, loss of appetite or skipping meals
Constant unexplained physical illnesses, like debilitating headaches, persistent digestive issues or aching joints
Feeling overwhelmed and unable to manage or cope with normal daily challenges
Starting or increasing the use of psychoactive substances, from alcohol to cannabis to other drugs that change behavior
Becoming newly undependable, missing meetings, appointments, deadlines, or allowing bills to pile up

Calling 911: Be Mindful

The response by law enforcement to people in mental distress—especially Black people—is unpredictable and too often, dangerous and even deadly.

"Although people living with a mental health disorder account for less than five percent of reported violent acts, they are 25 percent more likely to be killed by law enforcement.Of those killed, Black people are horribly overrepresented.

If someone in your life is experiencing a mental health crisis or appears to be at risk of a psychotic episode, consider these three pieces of advice from experts:

If no weapon is involved, instead of calling 911, try using Don’t Call the Police’s website for a list of helplines in multiple cities across the U.S. If your city is not listed, call another one in your state or region and ask for the area-specific help you need. Familiarize yourself with these phone numbers and protocols, now, before there is a crisis.

Take your loved one to the nearest ER, if possible. They can provide treatment and support without necessarily involving police. Keep hospital addresses and phone numbers easily accessible.

Call 911 if the person has a weapon, has injured someone or there is a risk of serious harm. State immediately and clearly that this is a mental health emergency and request trained responders.