• Changes in mood
    • increasing periods of low mood or sadness
    • noticeable increase in irritability or anger
    • increasing level of pervasive negative thoughts
  • Agitation or anxiety
    • severe worry or racing thoughts
    • decreased concentration or attention span
    • catastrophisation – expecting the worst
    • physical symptoms of tremor, shaking, chest pain or breathlessness
    • checking behaviours or abnormal fear – e.g. feeling the need for repeated reassurance from others around you
  • Changes in sleep
    • less sleep
    • more/excessive sleep or sleepiness
    • disturbed sleep
    • troubling nightmares or dreams
  • Lack of energy or motivation
    • difficulty getting up in the morning
    • lack of interest in usual work or hobbies
    • increased lethargy or restlessness
    • gradual decrease in level of self care – e.g. decreased showering, exercise, doing hair/make-up
    • reduction in normal daily activities – not checking the mail/email, not doing the dishes, not paying the bills, etc.
    • withdrawal from normal socialisation – not answering phone calls; avoiding unnecessary communication
  • Change in appetite
    • increased or decreased appetite
    • altered taste or cravings
  • Increasing life stressors or situational triggers
    • significant loss or trauma
    • changes to your lifestyle or living circumstances
    • breakdowns of relationships around you e.g. your partner, your employer or maybe even your family
    • specific event or tragedy