I think the signs are different for each person, but hopefully you can catch yourself before you get completely out of control. I guess it's good that you're at least thinking about it. I think the people who have a serious mental breakdown have it worst. I imagine a person isn't really aware of what is happening during a mental breakdown. I know I experienced that to some extent. There are things that I don't even remembering happening that my family has told me about. I checked myself into a psych ward on three different occasions because I felt like I was losing control of my thoughts. It turns out that I must have been right. They kept me for about two weeks the first two times, and for a whole month the third time. I'm celebrating my 43rd birthday today, and I don't think this would be happening if I hadn't gotten professional help.