Understanding Mental Wellness Distress: Exploring the IN SAD CAGES Framework for Early Indicators

I walked away from yesterday’s Mental Wellness Ambassador Training even more convinced of the challenge we face as a society. The trainer shared two statistics that stuck in my mind: “1 in 3 youths reported facing mental health distress, but only 1 in 10 parents know the signs”.

I therefore feel to successfully address mental wellness issues in our community, we need a widely awareness of the IN SAD CAGES framework. This acronym represents a set of key indicators that may suggest mental wellness distress. By examining these indicators, one can gain insights into a person’s emotional well-being and potential signs of distress. Here is a summary of the IN SAD CAGES framework:

I — Isolation: One of the fundamental signs of mental wellness distress is isolation or withdrawal from social activities and relationships. If an individual consistently avoids social interactions, becomes distant from friends and family, or displays a general disinterest in connecting with others, it may indicate a potential issue.

N — Negative Thoughts: Negative thinking patterns, such as constant self-criticism, persistent pessimism, or a distorted perception of reality, can be indicators of mental distress. If someone frequently experiences negative…