Reports also show that 40 million adults in the U.S. suffer from anxiety. Mental health has become a crisis in the U.S., as many are affected by it. Even though mental health issues are common, it is still very easy for loved ones to not see the signs. Anyone can develop poor mental health and begin to spiral. It is important to understand what these signs of mental health issues are and how to spot them. Here are some signs that a friend or family member may be struggling with mental wellness.
Changes in Personality and Behavior
Behavioral changes are one of the most common signs of mental health problems. A family member may stop interacting the way that they used to with others. They may become more introverted when they have always been extroverted, or they may become more irritable and aggravated. These are all signs that they may be struggling with their mental health. We need to identify these issues and not immediately cast blame.
It’s easy to become irritated rather than sympathetic when someone’s behavior changes. This is especially true if it changes in a negative way that impacts our life. These changes are often connected with sleep and dietary issues. They may have stopped sleeping at night or have been sleeping all day. We may notice that their appetite has changed, and they are eating more than they previously, or they may only be eating a little bit every day to get by. Everyone’s life fluctuates, but extreme changes are often a sign of something much deeper.
Noticeable Depression
Mental health issues often spiral into a state of depression. This is something that can happen very slowly over time, or it may come on very fast. We all need to be aware of how our friends and family are feeling. If we notice that they are feeling blue and not interacting, we should not ignore these signs. Many people ignore the signs of depression and simply think that they will go away, but this is not usually the case, and depression can continue to get worse.
One sign of depression that we may see is apathy, which is a lack of desire to do anything. They may lose interest in their hobbies and their work or relationships. Individuals may struggle to function and stop interacting with people around them. Even for someone who is generally melancholy, these are signs that we shouldn’t ignore because they can lead to more serious problems like suicidal thoughts or impulses.
Extreme Anxiety
Many people also start to experience anxiety to an extreme. The majority of us have a bit of anxiety or stress that we feel regularly, this is normal. Those who are having poor mental health may develop more extreme anxiety symptoms. This often shows itself as an extreme disconnect from the people around them. They may stop doing normal things because they have anxiety about them. Some people stop leaving their houses or develop a fear of communicating with people.
If left untreated, severe anxiety can quickly spiral into paranoia. This can become very dangerous, making it difficult to reason with people when you notice something is wrong.
Withdrawal
Another sign that we may see is our loved one withdrawing. People struggling with mental health often begin to detach themselves from others. They may have once been outgoing and talkative but now have disconnected. Withdrawal is connected with behavioral and personality changes that come with mental health.
This can stem from depression or the extreme desire to be alone. They may have lost interest in anything and everyone around them. It is easy for friends and family to brush this behavior off and ignore it. We may think that it is just a phase and they will come around in a few weeks or months, but this is a sign that should not be ignored, as it could indicate serious mental health issues.
How to Help Someone With Mental Health Issues
If we notice any of these signs in our loved ones, we should act fast. Poor mental health is serious; the sooner you treat it, the better off the person will be. The first thing we should try doing is communicating with our loved ones. Try pulling them aside and talking to them about the signs we have been noticing.
It is important to do this in a non-confrontational way. We also need to approach them with empathy and love, not judgment and irritation. They may need to get mental health care with a trained therapist. People often feel more comfortable talking to a therapist than they do with their loved ones.
In more severe cases, treatment at a recovery center can be beneficial. Wellness centers are designed to help people to reclaim their mental health. Wellness centers provide inpatient and outpatient programs, and these provide options for varying degrees of mental health.
Signs of Mental Health Issues
Mental health is becoming an issue that everyone is more and more aware of, and it can quickly become serious if not recognized early on. We all need to try to be aware of these signs in our friends and family members. Seeking help is vital to overcoming mental health issues. Contact us today at Comprehensive Wellness Centers to join one of our mental health programs.
