Mental Health Warning Signs – What to Look Out For
Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet recognising when something might be wrong can often be more difficult. Mental health challenges don’t always show up in obvious ways, and the signs can be subtle, especially at first. Being able to spot early warning signs in yourself or others can be a vital step toward seeking help and improving wellbeing.
Here are some common mental health warning signs to look out for:
1. Changes in Mood
Frequent mood swings, increased irritability, anger, sadness, or feeling emotionally numb can all indicate a shift in mental wellbeing. If you or someone you know is experiencing these emotions more intensely or more often than usual, it could be worth paying closer attention.
2. Withdrawal from Social Activities
Avoiding friends, family, or previously enjoyed activities can be a red flag. Isolation often feeds poor mental health, and withdrawing socially might indicate feelings of depression, anxiety, shame, or low self-worth.
3. Changes in Sleep Patterns
Struggling to fall asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much can all be signs of emotional distress. Chronic fatigue, even after a full night’s rest, is also a potential indicator of underlying mental health concerns.
4. Appetite or Weight Changes
Significant changes in eating habits—whether it’s loss of appetite or overeating—can be a signal of mental health struggles. These changes often go hand-in-hand with stress, anxiety, depression, or disordered eating patterns.
5. Difficulty Concentrating
If it becomes harder to focus, remember things, or make decisions, this could be related to anxiety, depression, or trauma. Mental fog and reduced productivity can be early signs that mental health is being affected.
6. Increased Use of Substances
Relying more heavily on alcohol, cigarettes, recreational drugs, or even caffeine and sugar to cope with daily life might signal an attempt to self-medicate mental or emotional discomfort.
7. Feeling Hopeless or Helpless
Persistent feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or helplessness are serious warning signs, especially if they come with thoughts of giving up or suicidal ideation. These should never be ignored and warrant immediate support.
8. Physical Symptoms Without a Clear Cause
Mental health can impact the body. Ongoing headaches, stomach aches, muscle tension, or unexplained pain may stem from emotional distress, especially when there’s no obvious physical explanation.
9. Unusual Behaviour or Thinking
Experiencing paranoia, hallucinations, or intense fear may indicate more severe mental health conditions. Significant behavioural changes that are out of character should be addressed promptly.
10. Struggling to Cope With Daily Life
If day-to-day tasks feel overwhelming or impossible, or if someone seems to be “just getting by” rather than living well, this could signal burnout, depression, anxiety, or other challenges.
What to Do if You Notice These Signs
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone else, know that help is available—and recovery is possible. Here’s what you can do:
- Talk to someone. Speak to a friend, family member, counsellor, or GP. Opening up is often the first step to getting better.
- Encourage professional support. Counsellors, psychologists, and other mental health professionals can offer support and tools tailored to individual needs.
- Practise self-care. Regular sleep, movement, nutritious food, time in nature, and mindfulness can all help improve wellbeing.
- Access support services. Services such as Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue, or Head to Health offer support across Australia.
Final Thoughts
Everyone has mental health, just as everyone has physical health—and both need care and attention. Knowing the warning signs can help you act early, support those around you, and foster a culture where mental health is taken seriously. If you’re ever in doubt, reach out. Talking about mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If you’re looking for professional support, visit Sunny Coast Counselling for a confidential and compassionate space to begin your journey toward better mental health. You can book an appointment with John Belchamber here.