Which of the following is a psychological warning sign of being abused?

• A. Appears anxious, depressed, despondent, or suicidal
• B. Maintains high self-esteem
• C. Is consistently social
• D. Shows no behavior changes

Answer: (A)

Psychological warning signs of abuse show up as changes in how a person feels and thinks, not just how they act on the outside. When someone who’s being abused appears anxious, depressed, despondent, or even has suicidal thoughts, these are clear signals that the emotional impact of abuse is present. It reflects internal distress and a shift in mood that often accompanies ongoing harm or fear, making it a strong indicator that something harmful is happening.

The other options don’t fit as mental health warning signs in the same way. Maintaining high self-esteem is not typically a sign of being abused; in fact, abuse can erode self-worth, but high self-esteem itself doesn’t signal abuse. Being consistently social suggests normal social engagement or resilience rather than an indicator of abuse, and showing no behavior changes would imply there’s no noticeable impact to observe. When you’re assessing for abuse, emotional changes like anxiety, depression, and thoughts of suicide are among the most serious and urgent red flags that require attention and support. If such signs are present, it’s important to seek professional help and ensure safety.