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Observable Warning Signs
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- Information Sheet
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- SPINZ
Warning Signs
- Increased alcohol or other drug consumption;
- Disinterest in possessions - giving away prized belongings;
- Withdrawing from friends and social involvement;
- Sleeping pattern changes - may have difficulties in getting off to sleep; have interrupted sleep; early morning awakening; feeling tired after sleep; sleeping too much.
- Self-mutilation behaviours; e.g., cutting/gouging;
- Sudden and striking personality changes and changes in mood;
- Risk-taking and careless behaviour;
- Noticeable increase in compulsive behaviour;
- Sudden happiness after a prolonged period of depression;
- Apathy. May stay indoors, stare at the TV. Loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities;
- Repetitive medical conditions - feeling nauseous, frequent headaches, injuries;
- Death or suicide themes dominate written, artistic or creative work;
- Unrealistic expectations held of self;
- Excessive promiscuousness; or loss of interest in sex;
- Overly dependent, clinging behaviour;
- Changes in eating patterns - not eating; over eating, change in weight;
- Verbal expression of suicidal intent or depression - Direct statements: for example, "I wish I were dead", "I am going to end it all";
- Indirect statements such as, "No one cares if I live or die", "Does it hurt to die?"
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Stressful Events
- Loss of an important person. For example, break-up of a relationship, death, divorce;
- Recent suicide of a friend or relative;
- Exposure to violence, incest or rape;
- Loss of position. For example, loss of status, loss of employment, loss of business;
- Unwanted pregnancy;
- Major disappointment or humiliation;
- "Coming out" and associated issues re sexuality and identity;
- In trouble with authorities or police. Impending court appearance;
- Refusal by trusted adult to provide anticipated help, support or love;
- Dispute with parents/whanau family/friends;
- Serious physical illness;
- Sudden loneliness/isolation/change of environment;
- Anniversary of a death;
- Emotionally charged festivals (Christmas, birthdays, etc.);
- Major gambling loss.
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Changes in Behaviour
- Loss of interest in work, hobbies or activities which were once enjoyed;
- Increases in drinking alcohol or drug taking;
- Finds decisions really difficult to make and is unable to address issues like the reality of financial problems;
- Has real difficulty in staying still or conversely is really lethargic and unable to get motivated;
- Sets self up for rejection by family, friends or work-mates. Takes on role of victim;
- Projects personal difficulties onto others; e.g. bullying/aggressive behaviours/irritable & snapping for no apparent reason;
- Excessive risk taking
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Changes in Relationships
- Stops going out with friends; shows no interest in being in group/social settings;
- Marked increase or decrease in sexual activity ;
- Expresses negativity about family/friends and has more than usual conflicts or problems relating with family or friends;
- Traumatic relationship loss or break-up;
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Changes in Thinking, Feeling and Perception
- Expresses inappropriate guilt about things;
- Expressing hopelessness - nothing to look forward to/no point in carrying on;
- Preoccupied with self; withdrawn, feelings of not being good enough;
- Cries easily, looks sad, feels alone or isolated ;
- Fears about having to be perfect. Fearful about doing something bad
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Physical changes
- Appetite has changed considerably - lost or gained a substantial amount of weight;
- Changes in sleeping patterns: either can not sleep at night or sleeps too much;
- Restlessness, agitated (pacing, wringing hands) or has really slowed down (spends hours staring out in front, finds it hard to move);
- Lots of constant minor physical ailments with no apparent cause
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Page last updated: 11 February 2010
