Unsuspected distress... Let’s keep our eye out for the signs

Prevention for you

Prevention for others

Preventing situations of distress in those around us means watching for warning signs, while asking questions and offering our support. 

It’s also knowing that certain changes can be the beginning of a greater fatigue than we think, and that taking action BEFORE our state deteriorates is a way of performing "Occupational Health & Safety for humans", as I often say during my sessions. 

Here are some signs to watch out for—in others, but especially in yourself:

• Changes in sleep pattern
• Changes in diet or taste. For example; cravings for sugary foods, coffee, fast food
• Increased intake of stimulants
• Increased intake of alcohol, drugs
• Greater irritability
• Greater need to be alone, not looking to come into contact with people
• Changes in habits which are usually a source of well-being, or loss of interest for sports, relaxation, meditation
• Greater apathy; for example; switch from the computer to the TV
• Impression that ideas are blurry, of having brain fog
• Increased consumption of prescription (or over-the-counter) drugs
• More and more aches and pains
• Errors due to carelessness
• Tendency to forget more, memory loss
• Obsession with work, or complete opposite; no interest in work
• Loss of libido
• Less free time, or no interest in free time at all

If a few of these signs remind you of yourself, don't be alarmed. Just take a break to make the necessary changes, before more symptoms add up.

Don't wait to ask for help or to suggest help. 

Reaching out to others is good, but don’t forget to care for yourself. 

Thank you for sharing this.