Mental health challenges don't always look like what we expect. It can be difficult to tell the difference between a rough season of life and a mental health condition, especially because many people try to hide what they are going through.
The National Mental Health Alliance (NAMI) reports that nearly 1 in 5 American adults experience a mental health condition every year. Everyone experiences sadness, stress, worry, or emotional ups and downs. These experiences become a mental health concern when they are persistent, cause significant distress, and impair functioning in daily living, work, school, or relationships. Mental illness refers to a wide range of conditions that can impact our thoughts, mood, and behaviors, such as depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia,, PTSD, and substance use disorders. There is no single cause for mental illnesses. Genetics, the environment, life events or lifestyle changes, and past experiences can all contribute. Whether you are concerned about yourself or someone you love, recognizing the signs early can make it easier to seek support before things become overwhelming.
Common Signs of Mental Illness
Everyone has difficult days, but it is important to note persistent changes in mood, behavior, or functioning. While each mental illness has its own symptoms, there are some common signs that can indicate if you or someone you care about is struggling:
● Feeling sad, anxious, or “off” most days
● Constantly feeling overwhelmed or on edge
● Losing interest in hobbies or activities you used to love
● Feeling exhausted and resting/sleeping often
● Changes in appetite or eating habits
● Feeling disconnected from family or friends
● Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
● Increased irritability, frustration, or anger
● Feeling hopeless, numb, or like you are just “going through the motions”
● Using food, shopping, social media, alcohol, drugs, or other behaviors to avoid difficult emotions
● Feeling like you are a burden or believing others would be better off without you
One sign alone does not necessarily mean that someone has a mental illness, but noticeable and persistent changes are something that should be paid special attention to.
When we are struggling mentally, our brain focuses more on threat detection and less on connection or hope. This explains why reaching out or recognizing that change is needed can feel so daunting, even impossible. Reaching out, or even starting a conversation, can be incredibly difficult and require vulnerability. Many people may worry they will be judged, become a burden, or that their struggles are not “bad enough.” The truth is that mental health exists on a spectrum and everyone is deserving of support. You don’t have to wait until a crisis to reach out for help. Consider reaching out to someone you trust, a friend or family member, a doctor, a therapist, or other trusted professional.
Starting the Conversation
If you notice someone may be struggling, it might seem daunting to start a conversation. Having an open and honest discussion with them about your concerns can make all the difference. Even though you cannot force someone to get mental health care, you may be able to offer encouragement or support. Some phrases you can use include:
● “I’m here if you need to talk.”
● “I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately”
● “I’ve been thinking about you, how are you really?”
● “You don’t have to do this alone.”
If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, it is important to seek immediate help. Call 911 or call/text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, which is available 24/7 for all mental health needs. Local emergency departments, crisis centers, and behavioral health providers can also provide immediate support.
Effective Treatment and Support
The good news is that mental illness is highly treatable, and there are many tools and evidence-based treatments that can help you recover and thrive.
● Working with primary physicians or psychiatrists to explore medication options
● Individual counseling with a qualified mental health professional
● Building healthy routines through adequate sleep, nutrition, movement, and enjoyable activities
● Improved self-care
● Strengthening relationships with trusted family members and friends
● Learning coping skills like journaling, mindfulness, breathing exercises, meditation, gratitude practices, or other stress management techniques.
Mental health deserves the same attention and compassion as physical health. Whether you recognize these signs in yourself or someone you love, reaching out is not a sign of weakness and can be the first step towards healing. Not every struggle has to meet the criteria for mental illness to deserve support. Sometimes even one conversation is all it takes to remind someone that they don’t have to carry their struggles alone.
If you or someone you know is interested in receiving mental health support from any of our qualified clinicians, please visit our website, call or text us at 479-403-2915, or email [email protected] to get matched with a provider and schedule a consultation.
