In the past few weeks, more has been revealed about Lane Lesko, the Michigan teen who was shot and killed by police during a confrontation last month in Peterborough.

Lesko’s mother, Pat, has said that he was diagnosed as bipolar. This illness, his mother said, played a part in the string of criminal charges that lead to his eventual stay at Summit Achievement, in Stow, Maine, a residential treatment program for teens.

Although nearly one in five adults has a diagnosable mental health condition, these illnesses are often misunderstood, ridiculed or feared. We’ll never know why Lesko did what he did, but we can say with certainty that we need to do more to ensure that those with mental health conditions get the treatment and support they need.

The Campaign to Change Direction, which launched in New Hampshire under the guidance of former Chief Justice John T. Broderick, is working to change how people see mental health and emotional wellness. An important part of the work they do is to educate people on the signs that someone is in emotional pain.

Here are five signs that may mean someone might need help.

Their personality changes.

You may notice sudden or gradual changes in the way that someone typically behaves.

They seem uncharacteristically angry, anxious, agitated, or moody.

You may notice the person has more frequent problems controlling his or her temper and seems irritable or unable to calm down.

They withdraw or isolate themselves from other people.

Someone who used to be socially engaged may pull away from family and friends and stop taking part in activities he or she used to enjoy.

They stop taking care of themselves and may engage in risky behavior.

You may notice a change in the person’s level of personal care or an act of poor judgment on his or her part.

They seem overcome with hopelessness and overwhelmed by their circumstances.

Have you noticed someone who used to be optimistic and now can’t find anything to be hopeful about?

You can play a part in changing the way we talk about mental health and wellness.

See www.changedirection.org for more information.