When to Refer

Some signs that suggest problems for which a person should be referred for mental health care.

• Manifests a change in personality (goes from being actively involved to quiet and withdrawn, or goes from being quiet to more agitated or demanding).
• Shows signs of memory loss
• Exhibits behaviors or emotions that are inappropriate to the situation.
• Shows signs of depression (no visible emotions or feelings, appears lethargic, loses weight, looks exhausted and complains of sleeping poorly, displays feelings of worthlessness or self-hatred, or is apathetic about previous interests).
• Talks about unusual patterns of eating, not eating, or excessively eating.
• Experiences deteriorating performance (incapacitating anxiety, declining work performance, neglecting self-care, not interacting with family or children as they usually do).
• Begins using or increases alcohol consumption.
• Makes statements regarding suicide, homicide, feelings of hopelessness, or helplessness.