Recognising poor mental health
Often there are triggers for people that lead to changes in their mental health. These triggers are generally associated with some form of loss: a relationship, a job, the death of a loved one, their home, a friendship, a pet, etc., or of a feeling of not being able to cope with life events, circumstances and situations - everyone is different and everyone responds differently to life’s challenges.
The key to spotting mental ill health often lies in noticing early changes in a person:
Physical
- Unkempt appearance, lack of personal care or hygiene.
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
- Feeling run-down.
- Frequent headaches or stomach upsets.
- Constant tiredness or difficulty with sleeping.
- Suffering from frequent minor illnesses.
Emotional & Behavioural
- Being withdrawn, not participating in social activities or conversation.
- Becoming more confrontational.
- Increased aggression, impatience, irritability.
- Becoming tearful.
- Inability to concentrate or to make decisions.
- Erratic behaviour.
- Socially unacceptable or inappropriate behaviour.
- Failure to understand or acknowledge how their actions or behaviour is impacting others.
- Difficulty in remembering things.
- Loss of self-esteem or confidence.
- Increased consumption of caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, sedatives.
- Loss of sense of humour.
- Being louder than usual.
