Mental Health Awareness: what to look out for and how to talk about it
Being open about mental health has become less taboo over recent years, but for many it is still a difficult thing to talk about. Nikki Whitehead has provided some guidelines which can help you recognise the signs of declining mental health, and gives tips on how to start the conversation without fear or judgement.
If someone you know has been diagnosed with a medical condition, such as a heart condition or cancer, they may feel comfortable sharing the news, but a mental health diagnosis might be kept hidden. For some, they feel embarrassed, or worry that they will be treated differently, for others they might not want to talk about it because it is too overwhelming.
Spotting when someone you know is struggling can be difficult. People often hide their pain behind humour, putting on a brave face, and only someone who really knows them might notice when something isn’t quite right.
If you have a family member withdrawing from conversations, a friend who seems overwhelmed, or a colleague whose behaviour has changed, recognising these signs can make all the difference. Understanding what to look for is the first step to offering support to someone who is struggling to cope alone.
Common signs of mental health decline
Shifts in mood can be the first sign, especially if the changes are more intense, last for a long time, or happen more often than usual. Perhaps they are often tearful, or increasingly angry or on edge. Have you noticed they seem overly sensitive or are avoiding being with people?
How someone talks, makes decisions, or responds to situations can change. They might use negative expressions (“I’m useless”, “Nothing will get better”) or say they feel like a burden.
The most noticeable signs are often in behaviour: are they withdrawing from social situations, avoiding calls, cancelling plans? Have they starting drinking, or using drugs more often? This can be to mask their feelings not just to friends and family, but also to themselves.
Partners might notice a resistance to intimacy, physically and emotionally, neglecting responsibilities at work or at home. Impulsive behaviour, taking risks, spending more money than usual, other unusual signs such as:
- insomnia, oversleeping, nightmares
- appetite changes, weight gain or weight loss
- low energy, fatigue
- headaches, stomach issues, aches and pains
- poor self-care, hygiene and appearance
Communication can be another clear sign of changes in mental health. Are they quieter and less responsive than usual, do they snap and argue more often, or are they saying worrying things such as “I can’t cope”, or “I’ve had enough”.
We all might recognise these signs in ourselves or in other people, and on their own they might mean nothing other than a sleepless night or two, or an important approaching deadline at work. However if these signs last for a few weeks, or start to get much worse, or if they start to impact more seriously on work or relationships or especially safety, it may be time to take action.
How to approach the subject
If you recognise any of these signs and you’re worried about someone, don’t be afraid to start the conversation. This could start the process of seeking support and beginning to heal. Sometimes just feeling seen can help.
- Start with simple observations
“I’ve noticed you’ve seemed down lately and you’ve not been coming out as much – how are you doing?” - Ask open questions
“What’s been feeling hardest recently?” - Offer specific support
“Do you want me to sit with you while you call your GP/doctor?” - Keep connection going
“I’m here for you. Can we check in again tomorrow?” – then follow up the next day.
For someone struggling with their mental health it can be hard to speak up. By making the first move, checking in, asking how they’re feeling, it could be just what they need to seek the right support.
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself, or in someone you know, counselling can help. It might be hard to talk to friends and family about the challenges and struggles being faced, so having a counsellor who has been trained to listen and support can help. Get in touch using our Enquiry Form and one of our counsellors will be in touch to offer a free consultation.
