3. Social Withdrawal and Isolation. If an individual is “closing off” socially, cancelling social engagements, or spending too much time alone, this is a serious warning sign of emotional or mental health issues.
4. Lack of Self-Care or Risky Behaviors. Persons with mental health issues often lose concern over their own health and well-being, engaging in risky behaviors like drinking and drug use. In addition, a lack of hygiene, or lack of concern with appearance, may be indicative of a mental health issue.
5. A Sense of Hopelessness or Feeling Overwhelmed. Mental health difficulties often cause people to give up – to feel like life is just too hard, or that they will never feel “normal” again.
These warning signs, particularly when occurring together, are an indicator that it is time to take action – for yourself or for others. Realize that you are not alone. Many Americans suffer from mental health issues at one time or another. Seek help from a licensed, professional counselor, or contact a physician or your local mental health association.
The shooting occurred in a community still raw from a 2015 terror attack that left 14 people dead and 22 wounded. Two shooters, a husband and wife, opened fire during a San Bernardino County Department of Public Health training event and Christmas party at a rented banquet room in San Bernardino. Syed Rizwan Farook was an employee of the health department. He and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, were later killed in a shootout with police. The attackers were inspired by radical Islamic terror groups.
According to the Los Angeles Times, San Bernardino has also seen an increase in violence recently. There were 62 homicides in 2016, up 41 percent from the year before, which included the 14 deaths in the terror attack. It was the deadliest year the city has seen since 1995.