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Warning-sign checks

Personality disorders: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Get emergency help now if you:

    • are about to harm yourself or someone else
    • have attempted suicide or taken an overdose
    • have a serious injury from self-harm
    • cannot keep yourself safe
    • are severely confused or losing contact with reality in a way that creates immediate danger

    Call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department.

    If possible, stay with a trusted person and move away from weapons, excess medicines, or other means of harm.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt professional help if self-harm is increasing, substance use is becoming difficult to control, or you are struggling to stay safe.

    Contact your existing mental health team or local urgent mental health service if you have one.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment with a primary care professional or mental health service if long-standing emotional or relationship patterns are causing distress, repeated conflict, difficulty working or studying, or harmful coping.

    Help is also appropriate if a previous diagnosis does not seem to explain your experiences.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Personality disorders. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.