Common Signs of Mental Health Issues
There are a number of signs that could indicate poor or neglected mental health. While having one or two of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have a mental illness or that you have a poor mental health, but if you notice that you are experiencing a number of the following symptoms and also experience them for a long time, it is best to seek out a mental health professional, especially if they are interfering with your ability to study, work, or socialize, and feel calm and happy overall.
- Withdrawal — Recent social withdrawal and loss of interest in connecting with others.
- Drop in ability to function — An unusual drop in functioning, at school, work or social activities, such as quitting sports, failing in school or difficulty performing familiar tasks.
- Thinking problems — Problems with concentration, memory or logical thought and speech that are hard to explain.
- Apathy — Loss of initiative or desire to participate in any activity, also loss of interest in things and activities that you used to enjoy
- Constant state of nervousness — Fear or suspiciousness of others or a strong nervous feeling.
- Unusual behavior — Odd, uncharacteristic, peculiar behavior.
- Sleep or appetite changes — Dramatic sleep and appetite changes or decline in personal care.
- Mood changes — Rapid or dramatic shifts in feelings throughout the day.
- Chronic anxiety — Symptoms of anxiety may include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, headache, restlessness, diarrhea, sweats or a racing mind.
- Depression — Feeling sad, despair or irritable for weeks or more; lacking motivation or energy.
- Substance abuse — using alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism, increasing the frequency and amounts
- Feeling guilty or worthless — Thoughts like “I'm a failure,” “It's my fault,” or “I'm worthless.”
- Self-harm or suicidal ideation — Feeling the urge to harm oneself.
People who are experiencing poor mental health may have a combination of these symptoms. If you are concerned about your mental health, it’s important to talk to someone.