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Recognizing Warning Signs

Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are among the more common mental illnesses experienced by U.S. adults. There’s no easy way to identify if what you’re experiencing is mental illness, but the following can help you decide if it’s time to reach out to your healthcare provider for support.


Behavior Changes
  • Changes to appetite or sleep
  • Loss of interest in hobbies
  • Avoiding friends or family
Cognitive Changes
  • Confusion
  • Forgetfulness
  • Unable to concentrate
Mood Changes
  • Getting easily annoyed
  • Emotional changes (excited to irritated, happy to sad, calm to anxious)
  • Struggle to calm down
Physical Symptoms

  • Feeling tired after a full night's sleep
  • Having too much energy
  • Noticeable weight loss or gain
  • Neglecting personal hygiene
Medication or Substance Use
  • Sudden or new reliance on alcohol or other drugs to help cope or manage pain

If you notice these signs:

  • Contact your provider to discuss concerns and create a care plan
  • Seek out a professional counselor
  • Identify triggers and build healthy coping strategies
  • Reach out to friends, family, or support groups

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Additional Resources

If you feel you need additional help or guidance, below are organizations and resources you can refer to.

Additional Resources

Additional Resources

Online Resources for Locating Support Groups

Substance Use Disorder Resources
  • Al-Anon is a mutual support program for families and friends of individuals with alcoholism.
  • Alateen is a support group for young people whose lives have been impacted by a family member’s struggle with alcohol use.
  • Alcoholics Anonymous is a self-help program for individuals with alcoholism.
  • Gamblers Anonymous is a self-help program for individuals with gambling problems.
  • Narcotics Anonymous is a self-help program for recovering and active drug users.
  • SMART Recovery is an evidence-based peer-led program focused on addressing addictive substances and negative behaviors to live a balanced life.


Alternative Services (In Lieu of Services) for Medicaid Managed Care and HealthierLife (HARP)

First Episode Psychosis (FEP) Resources
  • NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) provides information on services to help identify emotional needs and to provide treatment or support.
  • OnTrackNY is a network of programs for teens and young adults who recently had unusual thoughts or behaviors.

Youth Transition Services Resources

Mental Illness & Addiction Resources

New York City and New York State Behavioral Health Resources