When you start interacting with someone, sometime early on in your conversation you may find a person not communicating in the way that most people do. You may not be able to tell right away, but as you start your interactions, these could be signs of potential mental illness.

They may be talking to themselves or to someone who is not there, or that person may not be responsive at all. Their manner of speaking or movement may be atypical, or they may have difficulty communicating. 

Perhaps they are just shut down, or it could be a drug-induced behavioral effect. If you find yourself in this situation, there are many safe and effective ways you can continue your interaction. We are covering these topics, so you can conduct outreach and feel comfortable doing it.