Mental Health Awareness Week: Signs and Symptoms Someone May Be Struggling
This Mental Health Awareness Week, we want to focus on how to help those suffering with poor mental health. One of the best ways to help is to first being able to notice when someone is struggling.
Signs that people may be experiencing poor mental health may include:
- Poor concentration
- Affected mood – they are either feeling unhappy or anxious, or may express more irritability than usual
- Sleep problems
- Talking either more or less than normal
- Social withdrawal
- Substance abuse
- Noticeable changes in weight and appetite
- Delusions, paranoia or hallucinations
- Suicidal tendencies
It is important to note that, just because someone may be exhibiting the above signs or symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that their mental health is affected. However, it is still important to communicate as people struggling may find it difficult to open up and ask for help.
Problems with mental health can affect anyone at any time, regardless of age, gender, race, or any other factors. Nobody has to have a reason, or experience trauma, to be affected by mental health issues. In fact, not having a specific cause does not make their illness any less valid.
If you are interested in how to help those suffering, look out for posts the next few days that will give out tips on what to do if you suspect someone has bad mental health. We will also be discussing on do’s and don’ts of discussing Body Image, and how to live a healthy lifestyle both physically and mentally.
JD Training is also offering Mental Health First Aid courses. Be on the lookout for dates to be announced this week.