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Module 2: Be Aware

Recognizing the *Warning* Signs

Mental health struggles aren’t always obvious. Many young people try to hide what they’re going through, which is why it’s important to know the signs. In this module, you’ll learn what to look for—behavioral, emotional, physical, and verbal warning signs that could indicate a youth is in crisis.

Being aware gives you the chance to notice when something’s not right and take action sooner.

Moments of Reflection

Think of a young person in your life.

What small changes in their mood, behavior, or words could you ask them about when you see them next?

Facts From This Video:

Sources & Citations

Warning signs may appear in behavioral, emotional, physical, and verbal forms.¹

Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or mood swings are major risk indicators.²

Physical symptoms like fatigue, sleep changes, and frequent pain complaints may signal emotional distress.³

Talking about death, suicide, or being a burden should always be taken seriously.⁴

A sudden improvement in mood after a long struggle can signal imminent risk.⁵

Things To Remember:

Warning signs can show up in behavior, emotions, body, or words.
Withdrawal, hopelessness, or sudden mood changes are all red flags.
Verbal cues about death or being a burden should always be taken seriously.
Asking directly about suicide does not cause harm—it can save a life.
Being aware is about noticing, not diagnosing.

Continue the Journey

Every step builds your confidence to support the youth in your life. Move forward or back to continue the training at your own pace.

Back to Module 1
Go To Module 3

Sources & Citations

¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). WISQARS Leading Causes of Death Visualization Tool. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. https://wisqars.cdc.gov/fatal-leading

² Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). Advisory: Youth Suicide Prevention. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.samhsa.gov

³ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2011–2021. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/index.htm

⁴ California Health Interview Survey. (2023). AskCHIS 2023. UCLA Center for Health Policy Research. http://ask.chis.ucla.edu

⁵ Radhakrishnan, L., Leeb, R. T., Bitsko, R. H., et al. (2022). Pediatric Emergency Department Visits Associated with Mental Health Conditions Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, January 2019–January 2022. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 71(8), 319–324. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7108a3

⁶ Whitlock, J. L., Wyman, P. A., & Moore, S. R. (2014). Connectedness and suicide prevention in adolescents: Pathways and implications. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 44(3), 246–272. https://doi.org/10.1111/sltb.12071

Sources & Citations

¹ American Psychiatric Association. (2023). Warning signs of mental illness. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/warning-signs-of-mental-illness

² National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Child and adolescent mental health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health

³ Mayo Clinic. (2023). Teen depression: Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/teen-depression/symptoms-causes

⁴ National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. (2022). #BeThe1To: Ask. https://www.bethe1to.com/ask/

⁵ American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2023). Risk factors and warning signs. https://afsp.org/risk-factors-and-warning-signs

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