A mental health illness is defined as a mental condition that affects changes in emotions, behaviour and thinking. Anyone can suffer from a mental health illness, it could be a friend, a loved one, a neighbour or a work colleague. Everyone’s mental health matters. It’s hard to watch someone you care about struggling with a mental health illness. Being that stable support for someone in need of help is the first step to spreading awareness and helping to improve mental health for all.
How do I know if someone is suffering with a mental health illness?
When asking someone if they are okay, usually this results in a ‘I’m good’ or ‘I’m okay’ type of response. But are they really feeling okay? Finding out how someone is doing is a way of showing your care for someone. However, some mental health illnesses can show you different symptoms. There are overall symptoms that can show if someone is struggling mentally.
- Mood swings, not acting like their usual self.
- Feeling distant and wanting time alone.
- A change is routine such as sleeping and eating habits.
- They look down and seem to be on low energy
- Neglecting themselves such as no self-care, not taking care of themselves.
- Panicking and making quick decisions that can have a negative impact.
- Substance abuse or increasing alcohol consumption
- Talking about death or sucide vaguely.
What can I do to help someone?
Talking is always a good step to helping someone who is dealing with a lot on their plate. When someone unloads their thoughts and feelings, sometimes they are able to find the cause or trigger of what is making them feel lost or down. It’s not what is wrong with them, but what has happened to make them feel this way. Listening to someone and giving them space can help someone feel acknowledged and feel in a calm space. Everyone is different when it comes to talking about their mental health. Not all people feel comfortable opening up easily and talking about their thoughts and feelings. If you feel that they are in a situation where they need professional help there are helplines available on our Contact page. Note that they are confiding in you as they trust you. Therefore, do respect if they don’t want other people to know. It can be difficult to open up and share one’s feelings in the fear of feeling judged or not being listened to.
Cheering them up by making them laugh or doing their favourite activities is another way to make them feel better. This is because they are not focused on their problems. This will help increase the hormone Dopamine, which is a happy hormone. Thus lowering the stress hormone cortisone. Going for a walk in nature can be beneficial in replenishing and calming the mind, which is known as ecotherapy. This is mentioned in our latest article Nature and Mental Health.
To find out how to get more help visit the Getting Help or Contact pages.