Nine signs that could indicate a mental health problem

Do you know someone who seems to struggle with negative states, dilemmas, misguided beliefs? If a friend or family member becomes overwhelmed by life’s challenges, is constantly in a negative mood, loses interest in everyday activities, they may be experiencing mental health problems and may need help.

A person with health and behavioural problems may experience stress, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, grief, addiction, ADHD or learning difficulties, mood disorders or other psychological problems.

Counsellors, psychotherapists, life coaches, psychologists, healthcare practitioners or doctors can help manage health problems, according to their specific professional qualifications and methods.

What is mental health and why is it important?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) mental health includes “subjective well-being, sense of self-efficacy, autonomy, competence, dependence between generations, self-actualization of intellectual and emotional potential, among others.” The WHO states that the well-being of human beings is encompassed in the manifestation of their abilities, their capacity to cope with stress under normal living conditions, their productive work and their contribution to their community.

However, cultural differences, subjective assessments and competing professional theories may lead to different views of how to define and approach the concept of ‘mental health’. Good mental health is a general sense of well-being, confidence and self-esteem.

Good mental health is important. And not just so we can get through each day, but especially so we can have healthy relationships with others, fully enjoy each moment and appreciate life for all it offers. Mental health should always be taken seriously.

Common mental health problems

Many people experience mental health problems at some point in their lives: low self-esteem, drugs or alcohol, bad relationships or sexual abuse. However, ongoing mental health problems can be a sign of mental illness. Some of the most common mental illnesses are depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders and eating disorders.

What are the symptoms of mental illness?

If a friend or loved one doesn’t seem like themselves, can we tell the difference between a fleeting bad mood and something more serious? Any behaviour taken to extremes, from drinking too much, seeking permanent distractions, complaining all the time or any other continuous, significant change in a person’s behaviours, thoughts or feelings could be signs of mental illness.

Often it’s not a single change, but a combination. The following 9 signs are not to help you diagnose a mental health problem, but to ensure that there may be good reason to further investigate the problem a loved one is experiencing.

1. Constant anxiety or worry

We all get worried or stressed from time to time. But anxiety could be a sign of a mental health problem if it is constant and occurs all the time. Other symptoms of anxiety may include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, headaches, restlessness, diarrhea or lack of concentration.

2. Depression and unhappiness

Have you noticed that someone close to you has lost interest in a hobby they used to enjoy? Or maybe she’s sad and slightly irritable over a longer period of weeks? Or maybe she is no longer motivated and lacks energy, tired all the time? All these can be signs that they are experiencing depression.

3. Emotional outbursts

Everyone has different moods, but sudden and dramatic changes in mood, such as extreme distress or anger, can be a symptom of mental illness.

4. Sleep problems

In general, we need 7-9 hours of sleep every night. Changes in a person’s sleep may be a symptom of mental illness. For example, insomnia could be a sign of anxiety or substance abuse. Sleeping too much or too little may indicate depression or a sleep disorder.

5. Change in weight and appetite

Many of us want to lose a few pounds, but for some people weight fluctuation or rapid weight loss could be one of the warning signs of a mental illness, such as depression or an eating disorder.

6. State of isolation

We all need time to ourselves occasionally, but withdrawal from social life, especially if it is a major change, could indicate a mental health problem. If a friend or loved one isolate themselves regularly, may have depression, bipolar disorder or another mental health problem. Refusal to join social activities may be a sign that they need help.

7. Substance abuse or other addictions

You’re worried that a loved one drinks too much, spends too much time playing video games, losing nights or smoking? Using substances, such as alcohol or drugs, to cope in everyday life can be a sign of and contribute to mental health problems.

8. Feeling guilty or worthless

Thoughts such as “I’m a failure”, “It’s my fault” or “I have no worth” are all possible signs of a mental health problem such as depression. Frequent criticism, blaming, lack of self-worth are all signs that need to be taken into account when they occur.

9. Changes in behaviour or feelings

A mental illness can start with subtle changes in a person’s feelings, thinking and behaviour. Continuous and significant changes could be a sign that a mental health problem exists or is beginning to develop. If something doesn’t seem “right” it’s important to start a discussion about the specialist help they may require.

How you can help someone with a mental health condition

If you are concerned that a friend or family member may be suffering from a mental health condition, a first step is to talk to them about it. Mental health is not necessarily an easy or comfortable topic of conversation, so you can assure him/her of your support and advocacy in seeking specialist help.

You might also suggest talking to your GP or seeing a mental health professional. It may help if you offer to go with him/her. If she doesn’t want to talk to someone, it may work to give her written information from authoritative mental health websites or medical brochures.

This article is based on material published on https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/

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