Mental Health Resources & Tools
Mental Health Signs & Symptoms
It can be hard to tell the difference between typical behavior and signs of mental illness. There’s no simple test to confirm it. Mental health conditions can also begin to develop in young children, but because they are still learning to express their thoughts and emotions, signs often show up through behavior.
Below are some common indicators to watch for in yourself or your child, so you can take action early and get the support you need.
Adults & Adolescents
- Excessive worrying or fear
- Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning
- Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria
- Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger
- Avoiding friends and social activities
- Difficulties understanding or relating to other people
- Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy
- Changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite
- Changes in sex drive
- Difficulty perceiving reality (delusions or hallucinations)
- Inability to perceive changes in one’s own feelings, behavior or personality
- Overuse of substances like alcohol or drugs
- Multiple physical ailments without obvious causes (such as headaches, stomach aches, vague and ongoing “aches and pains”)
- Thinking about suicide
- Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress
- An intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance
Children
- Changes in school performance
- Excessive worry or anxiety, for instance fighting to avoid bed or school
- Hyperactive behavior
- Frequent nightmares
- Frequent disobedience or aggression
- Frequent temper tantrums
Sources
- Nelson, K., Shipkosky, B. (2024, May 24). How to Improve Your Mental Health Through Community. Psychology Today. PsychologyToday.com/us/Blog/A-Healing-Community/202405/How-to-Improve-Your-Mental-Health-Through-Community. 4/9/2026.
- Gilbert, S. (2019, November 18). The Importance of Community and Mental Health. NAMI. NAMI.org/Blog/The-Importance-of-Community-and-Mental-Health. 4/9/2026.
- Marques, D. The Importance of Community: 7 Key Benefits. Happiness.com. Happiness.com/Magazine/Relationships/The-Importance-of-Community. 4/10/2026.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2026). Mental Health Awareness Month 2026 Alliance Kit. NAMI. My.NAMI.org/NAMInet/WP-Content/Uploads/Mental-Health-Awareness-Month-2026-Alliance-Kit-PDF.pdf. 4/10/2026.
Crisis Lines
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
24/7/365 assistance for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Take care of a friend, a loved one, or yourself. Offered in Spanish and can be translated into more than 240 additional languages (for voice calls only).
Call, text, or chat 988.