What is an early warning signal?
A warning sign is the first sign that something is wrong. Early on, they may come and go or occur only at low levels. Often they increase over time or during times of stress.
Common early warning signs
Sensing or “knowing” that the mind is malfunctioning
Difficulty thinking clearly, strange ideas or preoccupations
An unreal feeling
Fear, suspicion, mistrust of others, feeling that others want to hurt you
Increased sensitivity to light, noise and touch
Unusual sensory experiences, transient visions, strange sounds, hallucinations
Difficulty expressing ideas, confused thoughts, and derailment
Lack of emotions
Social withdrawal from family and friends
Loss of motivation or interest in activities, hobbies, or sports
A reduction in grades for no apparent reason
Failure to maintain personal hygiene
If you have any of these symptoms and it’s bothering you or interfering with your life, give us a call and let’s talk. We can tell you if it’s worth coming in to see us.
If we decide you don’t need First Hope but are interested in other services, we can recommend next steps.