How can you tell if someone is struggling with their Mental Health?

Most people have heard of diagnoses such as Depression, Anxiety or Bipolar disorder.

Importantly having a diagnosis doesn’t necessarily mean that someone's mental health is poor at the moment. They could have a diagnosis of a particular mental health condition but be able to function effectively at work and home right now. Equally, people without a diagnosis can also experience periods of poor mental health.

It is important to be able to recognise the possible signs of deteriorating mental health, both in yourself and in others.

Below are some of the commonly seen signs of poor mental health. It is important to note that these symptoms can be seen in people who have good mental health, and equally, those struggling with their mental health may also not display all or any of these signs.

Early signs of poor mental health

• Poor concentration
• Being easily distracted
• Worrying more
• Tearfulness & low mood
• Tiredness and lack of energy
• Sleeping more or less
• Talking less and avoiding social activities
• Finding it hard to make decisions
• Feeling less interested in day-to-day activities
• Feeling overwhelmed by things
• Irritability and short temper

If you feel you may need some emotional or practical support, there are lots of places you can go for support. Please click here for a list of helplines that provide emotional and crisis support for everyone affected by mental ill health.