The goal of the Campaign to Change Direction is to change the culture of mental health so that all of those in need receive the care and support they deserve. The Campaign encourages everyone to pay attention to their emotional well-being – and it reminds us that our emotional well-being is just as important as our physical well-being. We provide a tool, the Five Signs of Emotional Suffering and the Healthy Habits of Emotional Well-being, so that we all have a common language to identify when someone is suffering and how we can stay emotionally healthy.
In order to change our culture, we have to start with a common language, and learn the Five Signs of Emotional Suffering.
Their personality changes. You may notice sudden or gradual changes in the way that someone typically behaves. He or she may behave in ways that don’t seem to fit the person’s values, or the person may just seem different.
They seem uncharacteristically angry, anxious, agitated, or moody. You may notice the person has more frequent problems controlling his or her temper and seems irritable or unable to calm down. People in more extreme situations of this kind may be unable to sleep or may explode in anger at a minor problem.
They withdraw or isolate themselves from other people. Someone who used to be socially engaged may pull away from family and friends and stop taking part in activities he or she use to enjoy. In more severe cases the person may start failing to make it to work or school. Not to be confused with the behavior of someone who is more introverted, this sign is marked by a change in someone’s typical sociability, as when someone pulls away from the social support he or she typically has.
They stop taking care of themselves and may engage in risky behavior. You may notice a change in the person’s level of personal care or an act of poor judgment on his or her part. For instance, someone may let his or her personal hygiene deteriorate, or the person may start abusing alcohol or illicit substances or engaging in other self-destructive behavior that may alienate loved ones.
They seem overcome with hopelessness and overwhelmed by their circumstances. Have you noticed someone who used to optimistic and now can’t find anything to be hopeful about? That person may be suffering from extreme or prolonged grief or feelings of worthlessness or guilt. People in this situation may say that the world would be better off without them, suggesting suicidal thinking.
Take care of you. Eat, sleep and be active. We don’t often think about how important these basic activities are to our mental health – but they are critical!
Get checkups. We get check-ups for our physical health and for our teeth. We even take our cars in for check-ups. It’s time to take responsibility and get check-ups for our emotional well-being. Talk with your doctor, a counselor, a faith-based leader… and your family and friends to make sure you are doing well emotionally.
Engage and connect wisely. Pay attention to your relationships. We can’t be healthy if our relationships are not.
Be active, meditate, garden, dance, love, cook, sing…
Learn the Five Signs of emotional suffering. And if you see them in someone you love, reach out, connect and offer to be of help.
You connect, you reach out, you inspire hope, and you offer help. Show compassion and caring and a willingness to find a solution when the person may not have the will or drive to help him- or herself. There are many resources in our communities. It may take more than one offer, and you may need to reach out to others who share your concern about the person who is suffering. If everyone is more open and honest about mental health, we can prevent pain and suffering, and those in need will get the help they deserve.
In 2015, Give an Hour launched the Campaign to Change Direction to change the culture of mental health so that all in need are able to receive the care and support they deserve. Just as we know the signs of a heart attack, we can all learn the Five Signs of emotional suffering that tell us someone is in pain and needs help. By harnessing the skills and generosity of those willing to give, Give an Hour provides help and hope to those in need. Learn more at giveanhour.org.
We are proud to announce that Give an Hour has received a 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator! Attaining a 4-star rating indicates that Give an Hour exceeds industry standards and outperforms most nonprofits in our area of focus. This is an exceptional designation from Charity Navigator that sets Give an Hour apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness.
The Campaign to Change Direction is a coalition of concerned citizens, nonprofit leaders, and leaders from the private sector who have come together to change the culture in America about mental health, mental illness, and wellness. Learn more
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