Mental health is an essential part of our overall well-being. Recognizing the early warning signs of mental health issues can help you or your loved ones get the support and treatment needed to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. This page provides an overview of common warning signs to watch out for and offers guidance on what to do if you notice these signs.
Changes in Mood
Persistent Sadness or Irritability: Experiencing a lasting low mood or irritability that does not seem to go away.
Extreme Mood Swings: Severe changes in mood, ranging from euphoric highs to depressive lows.
Changes in Behavior
Withdrawal: Pulling away from social activities, friends, and family.
Loss of Interest: No longer finding pleasure in activities once enjoyed.
Changes in Sleep Patterns : Experiencing insomnia, oversleeping, or disturbed sleep.
Cognitive Changes
Difficulty Concentrating: Struggling to focus or maintain attention on tasks.
Memory Problems : Unusual forgetfulness or trouble remembering information.
Indecisiveness : Finding it hard to make decisions, even about simple things.
Physical Symptoms
Fatigue : Persistent tiredness or lack of energy despite adequate rest.
Unexplained Aches and Pains : Physical pain with no clear medical cause.
Changes in Appetite or Weight : Significant weight loss or gain, or changes in eating habits.
Emotional Symptoms
Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt : Frequent self-criticism or feelings of guilt.
Anxiety or Panic Attacks : Experiencing intense, uncontrollable worry or sudden episodes of fear.
Feelings of Hopelessness : Believing that things will never improve or that life is not worth living.
Risky or Unusual Behavior
Substance Abuse : Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or other harmful substances.
Self-Harm : Engaging in self-injurious behaviors like cutting or burning.
Reckless Actions : Acting in ways that are dangerous or out of character.
Thought Patterns
Obsessive Thinking : Persistent, unwanted thoughts that are difficult to control.
Delusions or Hallucinations : Experiencing false beliefs or seeing/hearing things that are not there.
Suicidal Thoughts : Thinking about or planning suicide.
What to Do If You Notice These Signs
Reach Out : Talk to the person you are concerned about. Express your concerns in a supportive, non-judgmental way.
Seek Professional Help : Encourage them to see a mental health professional, such as a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist.
Offer Support : Be there for them. Offer to accompany them to appointments or help them find resources.
Educate Yourself : Learn more about mental health conditions to better understand what they might be going through.
Take Immediate Action if Necessary : If someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, seek emergency help immediately by calling 911 or visiting the nearest emergency room.
