Warning Signs: Spot Health & Mental-Health Red Flags Early

Small changes can be the start of something bigger. A new pain, a persistent low mood, or an unexpected reaction to a medicine shouldn’t be shrugged off. Notice patterns, not just single bad days — that’s how you catch problems early and avoid bigger trips to the ER or long recovery times.

Quick physical warning signs to act on

Watch for new or worsening symptoms that interfere with daily life. If you see any of these, get medical advice fast:

• Chest pain, pressure, sudden shortness of breath, fainting, or sudden weakness on one side — call emergency services now.
• High fever that won’t come down, severe or worsening headache, sudden vision changes, or confusion — seek urgent care.
• Unexplained weight loss or gain, ongoing severe fatigue for more than two weeks, or new digestive problems (bleeding, severe belly pain) — schedule a doctor visit.
• New lumps, persistent cough lasting over two weeks, or changes in skin lesions — get checked by your provider.

These aren’t meant to alarm you, but to help decide what needs quick attention versus what can be monitored for a short time.

Mental health and medication red flags

Mental health signs often look like everyday struggles at first. Don’t ignore them: persistent low mood for two weeks or more, dropping out of work or family life, severe sleep or appetite changes, or thinking about harming yourself are reasons to get help now. If someone talks about suicide or has a plan, call emergency services or a crisis line immediately.

Medications help a lot, but they can also cause serious reactions. Stop the drug and seek care if you get a rash with swelling, trouble breathing, sudden severe dizziness, fainting, high fever, or symptoms you didn’t expect. If a side effect is annoying but not dangerous, call your pharmacy or prescriber to discuss alternatives, dosage changes, or coverage through TRICARE.

Practical steps: write down when symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, any new meds or exposures, and recent stressors. That list helps your provider give faster, more accurate care.

If you’re covered by TRICARE, check your pharmacy benefits before switching drugs and talk to your primary care manager or TRICARE pharmacy for coverage questions. For urgent crises, call emergency services or use the nearest urgent care. For mental health emergencies, use your local crisis line or national hotlines — getting help right away can change everything.