Is it a Bad Mood or Something More?
It’s normal for people to have a bad day, or even a string of bad days. Troubles at work or at home, stressors like finances and housing, and even tense moments in a relationship can all affect someone’s mood. But, when a bad mood lasts for a long time, or if someone is experiencing a combination of the symptoms below, it could mean they are experiencing something more serious.
Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Feeling anxious or worried
- Feeling unhappy or depressed
- Emotional Outbursts
- Sleep problems
- Weight or appetite changes
- Becoming quiet or withdrawn
- Substance abuse
- Feeling guilty or worthless
- Significant changes in behavior or feelings
Supporting Someone In Need
So, what do you do when you find that a loved one needs mental health support? The first step is to be there – listen to them express their feelings without judgement and reassure them that you are here for them and will work with them to get help.
From there, you can:
- Encourage them to see their primary care provider (PCP) or mental health professional. You can even help them make the appointment or offer to accompany them to it.
- Encourage them to exercise and eat a healthy diet.
- Encourage them to spend time with friends and family.
- Help them access other support services like helplines or support groups. The 988 Lifeline can provide free and confidential support to people experiencing a mental health crisis, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
It's Essential
Knowing the signs of distress and when to seek support or assistance for yourself and others is essential for personal and community health. We each walk a unique path in life and never truly know what others are going though or have recently gone through. So be a good human, take care of yourself, and help others when and if you can.
