Which of the following is an example of an early warning sign?

• A. Calm demeanor
• B. Exaggerated Movement
• C. Wearing a uniform color
• D. Slow breathing

Answer: (D)

Early warning signs are subtle cues that a situation may be starting to escalate, giving you a chance to intervene before things worsen. Slow breathing fits this role because it can indicate a person is trying to regulate their emotions and keep control as tension rises. It’s a cue that something is shifting beneath the surface, and recognizing it lets you respond calmly—giving space, lowering your own volume, and choosing de-escalation techniques to prevent escalation.

A calm demeanor, while often a good thing, isn’t a warning that trouble is coming; it can simply be how a person usually behaves or may mask underlying stress. Exaggerated movement is a clearer sign that escalation has begun rather than an early warning. Wearing a uniform color is unrelated to behavior or risk in this context. So, slow breathing is the best example of an early warning sign.