Thursday, March 14, 2019

How To Know if A Person is Having a Mental Health Problem


mental health, mental health problem, health, depression, signs and symptoms of mental health problem
photo source

Mental health is just like physical health in many ways. Just like caring for our physical body, we need to take care of our mental health as well. 

Having a good mental health means being able to cope with daily stresses and accomplish personal goals. But if you are going through a period of poor mental health you may find it difficult, or sometimes impossible, to cope with the ways you are frequently thinking, feeling or reacting to. It can be just as bad as physical health problem, or even worse.

But how to know if a person is having a mental problem and needs advice on mental health? 

Mental health problems affect around one in four people in any given year. Mental health problems can cover a broad range of disorders, from common problems, such as depression and anxiety, to rarer problems such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The most common characteristic is that they all affect the affected person’s personality, thought processes or social interactions.

When someone is going through a tough time, sometimes it may be obvious with his or her behavior. But there's no easy way to know if he or she is having a mental health problem unless diagnosed as such. However, you don't need to find out if they have diagnosis but more importantly,  is the way you respond to someone who looks troubled.

Below are some signs and symptoms that will help you to know if a person is having a mental health problem.

1. Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness

Having a sad outlook thinking life is just too hard and will not get any better.  Mental health problem cause people to easily give up and to think there's nothing to improve the situation. 

2. Low confidence

Rejecting the positive view of themselves from another person in favor of the false belief that they are not worthy of such a compliment.

3. Loss of interest in their daily activities

Losing interest in activities they normal enjoy.

4. Sleep disturbances

Having difficulty falling or staying asleep.

5. Anger and irritability

Being tearful, nervous or irritable.

6. Loss of energy

Easily get tired, and feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained.

7. Self-hatred

The strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. It is the extreme dislike or hatred of oneself.

8. Reckless behavior

Persons with mental health issues often lose concern over their own health and well-being. They engage in risky or escapist behaviors like drinking and drug abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports.  In addition, a lack of hygiene, or lack of concern with appearance, may be indicative of a mental health issue.

9. Problems in concentrating

Having trouble in focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.

10. Unexplained aches and pains

Having an increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.

11. Loss of appetite

Not wanting to eat and not feeling hungry.

12. Social withdrawal and isolation.  

If a person is “closing off” socially, cancelling social engagements, or spending too much time alone, this is a serious warning sign of mental health issues.

13. Suicidal thoughts

And the worst symptom can be, if a person is feeling that death or suicide is the only way to escape the pain. 

If you think your friend, a colleague, a family member or a spouse has most of the mental health problem signs above, take time to listen and talk to them. Encourage them to seek the advise or help of mental health professional to find out the available treatment  that will suit them. Remember that mental health problem will not go away by itself and if left untreated, the symptoms are likely to get worse. So it's very important to seek help as early as possible.
Enjoyed this post? Share your thoughts below—I'd love to hear from you!

Let’s stay connected: