Many of us are suffering from the high heat. But we’re not the only ones. So are our pets. The National Weather Service put out this chart to remind us of the symptoms to watch for in our pets so we can take measures to get them cooled off and avoid heat illness. They ARE our responsibility, and they depend on us.
Events of this week–and of many other previous weeks with similar events–make it imperative that all of us stay alert for signs of mental illness and report them when we see them. Tell the person’s family, physician, clergy person, teacher, principal, police…anyone in a position to intervene before it’s too late. Think of it this way: there are likely others who, like you, have noticed the signs but questioned your own judgment and so did nothing. We learn after, for example, each school shooting that people had noticed. What if they had said something?
The following is directly from Warning Signs of Mental Illness, an article by the American Psychiatric Association.
Signs & Symptoms
If several of the following are occurring, it may useful to follow up with a mental health professional.
One or two of these symptoms alone can’t predict a mental illness. But if a person is experiencing several at one time and the symptoms are causing serious problems in the ability to study, work or relate to others, he/she should be seen by a mental health professional. People with suicidal thoughts or intent, or thoughts of harming others, need immediate attention.
As we all know, men are different from women. It’s important to remember that one of those differences is in how men and women experience a heart attack. Today, which is National Wear Red Day to promote heart-attack-awareness for women, it’s appropriate to post a reminder of what the American Heart Assn. says are women’s symptoms, with a note about men’s:
As with men, the most common heart attack symptom in women is chest pain or discomfort. But it’s important to note that women are more likely to experience the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.
