SANE Australia - Something is not quite right: Checklist

Something is not quite right: Checklist

Are you worried about someone whose behaviour has changed?

If someone you know has become confused, avoids people, or developed strange ideas not shared by others, then it’s important they talk to a doctor to get help . . .

The reason for this change may be that they have an illness. A doctor can treat this, so that they feel better again.

Checklist
Encourage someone to see a doctor if anything on this checklist describes how they feel or act –

- Stop talking to family and friends

- Become afraid or suspicious for no reason

- Sleep poorly or often be awake all night

- Develop strange ideas

- Hear voices no one else can hear

- Feel they have special powers

- Have difficulty concentrating

- Say or write things that don’t make sense

- Abuse drugs or alcohol.

How to get help

- Encourage the person to see a doctor.

- Offer to go with them, as a support.

- Ask for a longer appointment, so there is lots of time to explain concerns.

- Suggest you write some notes together, to help explain things to the doctor.

- If the person is reluctant to seek help, visit the doctor yourself to ask for advice.

How do I find out more?

For information and advice, call the SANE Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263) 9-5 weekdays EST (request free InfoPack 24 hours) or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

To order resources visit the SANE Bookshop at www.sane.org or call 1800 18 SANE (7263).

SANE Australia . . . Working for a better life for Australians affected by mental illness

Something is not quite right: Checklist

© SANE Factsheet 29
This Factsheet may be freely downloaded, copied and distributed on condition no change is made to the content. SANE Australia is not responsible for any actions taken as a result of information or opinions contained in the Factsheet. (Version English, 2006)