5 Signs Someone Is Struggling With Their Mental Health

In today’s society mental health is something that is often overlooked, looked down on, or not taken seriously at all, and is rarely talked about. Since issues like eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, addiction, and mental illnesses are such a taboo subject it leaves the people who are struggling to feel like they shouldn't talk about the challenges that they are facing. In today’s world, where social media runs just about everything and everyone has such strong opinions, it can be difficult to open up about these issues. We can oftentimes feel alone, like our feelings don’t matter, like no one out there cares, or that we just need to put on our big people pants and get over it like the adults that we are, but that is not the case at all. There are people who care, these are not struggles that anyone can just suck up and get over, and most importantly, you are not alone. So in lieu of September’s National Suicide Prevention Month, we are going to discuss the top five signs that someone you know might be struggling with their mental health. It is however important to remember that not everyone's the same, some people may show all of the signs listed and more while others may show none at all. This is why it is so important to just be there for one another, lend a shoulder to cry on, and really listen to what the people around us have to say. You never, know, it could be life changing for someone just to have a listening ear.

They Become Withdrawn

One of the first signs that you might begin to notice with someone who is struggling with their mental health is that they become withdrawn. If you notice that someone who used to reach out to you everyday or used to post on social media a lot has taken a step back from doing so, be the one to reach out and just ask if they are ok. This could also present itself in them no longer showing interest in the things that they used to love to do, maybe instead of going out on the weekends they now find themselves in bed, not wanting to move. It might not seem like a big deal to some people, and it might get shrugged off as nothing, but reaching out to this person during this time could make a powerful impact in their life. We should never be too busy to offer at least ten minutes of our time to someone who could be struggling.

They Are Sleeping More Than Usual

Depression is a mental illness that usually presents itself with people feeling more tired than usual. Of course, we could just be tired, worn out from work, stressed out from our day to day lives, and over sleeping isn't always necessarily a cause for concern, but if you notice that someone close to you is finding it hard just to get out of bed in the morning, if they complain often about how tired they are, it won't hurt to check in with them and make sure that they are okay. All it takes is a simple text saying “hey, I was thinking about you, and I just wanted to remind you that I’m here if ever you need to talk.” Something as simple as that could open up so many possibilities for someone who is struggling.

There Is A Change In Their Physical Appearance

This next one can hold true for so many different reasons. Whether it be weight loss, weight gain, skipping showers, not brushing their hair, not applying makeup when they used to do it everyday, or just wearing the same clothes for days on end, there are so many reasons that these things could be happening. This however is one that you have to be careful with. For instance, you don’t want to comment on someone’s weight as you don't know if they are struggling with an eating disorder, or if their weight is something that seriously depresses them. Instead of commenting on their physical appearance, as that could worsen the situation, just remind them that you are there for them.

They Are Suddenly Engaging In More Risky Behavior

Engaging in self destructive behaviors could be someone's way of acting out for attention, or simply just them trying to find ways to numb their pain and thoughts. These things could include sexual activities that they would not normally partake in, drug use, excessive alcohol use, driving recklessly, self harm, and so much more. This is one of those things that you have to pay close attention to as it can lead to some very serious outcomes and addictions. If you notice someone doing these things, instead of pointing out that they shouldn't be doing it, try reassuring them. Tell these people the things that you love the most about them, remind them that you care about them and need them here, let them know that they can always come to you to talk, totally judgment free.

Emotional Outbursts

Another thing that you may notice in a person who is struggling with their mental state is that they begin having emotional outbursts. This is something that can be hard to be there for them through. They may say hurtful things to you that they don’t really mean, and they might come across as not wanting anything to do with you. Although they might be trying to push you away with their words, it is important to take a step back from your own feelings about what they are saying and remind them that everything is okay, and that you are for them when they are ready to talk. Emotional outbursts can happen at any time anywhere, and you might notice that they have a very short fuse, yell often, seem more stressed out than usual, and are cracking under little to no pressure.

Mental illness is not something to take lightly and again we stress that not everyone will show these signs, it is important now more than ever that we just be there for one another. Have respect for those around us, and try to understand that so many people out there are struggling, so instead of judging people on things that are out of their control, offer them someone to talk to. Oftentimes those who are struggling the most appear to be the happiest, check in on your friends and family, take five minutes out of your day to remind them that you are here. If instead of getting caught up in our lives we all just took a little time each day to check in one another, we could make a big difference in each other's lives. Don’t be afraid to talk about mental health, we need to be talking about it. If you or someone you know is struggling, get them help before it is too late. There are always people out there who care and you do matter.