Mental health care professionals must learn to recognize warning signs that vary considerably from patient to patient (see Chapter 6). You, like others who care for people with mental disorders, will also have to keep track of warning signs and symptoms that might change as time passes. Such changes might not be easy to spot, depending on the nature of the symptom or warning signs. You have one advantage: you can become an expert concerning the one person you care for.

Learn to Spot Coming Crises if You Can

Changes may come on slowly and may not be easy to recognize at first. They are worth noting, however, because they might predict trouble. This is true if the changes are part of a pattern or part of a disruption of a pattern. It is important to learn to recognize and trust your intuition when observing someone you know well. If something does not seem right with her, be prepared to assist her. Early intervention can ward off the more serious consequences of a mental health crisis.

From Their Perspective

An emerging psychosis is an intensely personal and frightening event. This is a large part of the problem: often people don't talk about it or ask for help as it is progressing. They do not want to be seen as mentally ill or different from other people. Then, when the torment of the hallucinations and/or delusions reaches an unbearable level, the patient reacts in a frightened and frightening way. Any approach you make should be done in a low-key manner, away from others if possible.