I know how I am physically and mentally. example I know when my body starts feeling run down, heavy, exhausted I know I am either pushing my self too thin trying to do too much, am getting physically ill with a cold, flu or other physical health issue, or something mentally is off (going into my depression phase, meds with bipolar may not be working or is too much or too little, having intrusive thoughts any number of things)

at this point I start looking deeper within physically and mentally to assess why I feel that way.....do I feel cold symptoms, flu symptoms or other physical symptoms that may point to a problem...Have I been in contact with anyone with the flu or cold or other contagions (ie chicken pox what ever)...am I eating correctly for my dietary needs, am I getting enough sleep, have I accidentally skipped meals or meds or skimped out on sleep.....Am I having any intrusive thoughts that are interfering with my day to day, work family life, ....how long have I been feeling this way...

through this process I discover whether or not the problem is medical or physical and whether this is something I can take care of on my own or whether I need my treatment providers help. my treatment providers also use the standard of if you have been feeling "off" for at least a few days and can not discover on your own what the problem and solution is then by all means schedule and we will help you with that. any thoughts of self harm or suicide is on my automatic schedule and see my treatment providers type of situation.