Someone You Know May Be Experiencing Mental Health Issues

Mental health is something that effects all of us – children and adults – which is why Mental Health Awareness Month was created. It’s important to raise awareness of mental health so we understand what someone may be experiencing and how to help them. Mental illness symptoms can affect our emotions, thoughts and behaviors. To help you or someone you know, it’s important to know the signs of what could be leading to a mental health illness.

• Withdrawing from social engagements

Whether it’s a wedding, birthday party or planned dinner, your loved one could be disassociating themselves from social environments because they don’t want to talk to others.  This could be a sign of a mental health issue if someone who is normally very social, begins to detach from group settings.

• Expressing changes in mood

Someone who is experiencing a negative mental health space could be experiencing a multitude of moods. For example, seeming sad or quieter than normal; becoming irritated easily; quick to anger; or seeming unhinged and worried are all signs.

• Substance abuse

As a way to self-medicate, your loved one could be doing drugs or drinking alcohol excessively. If they’re constantly high, incoherent or drunk, they may be looking for a way to not feel any negative feelings or thoughts.

• Refusing to eat

Eating is necessary for our bodies to be nourished, but if someone is refusing to eat a meal, snacks or what they would normally consume, they could be too stressed or mentally preoccupied to think about eating.

To help your loved one, try to encourage them to go outside for fresh air, go on a walk with you or make dinner together. Let them know that you care about them and are there for them. It’s important they know they have someone to depend on. If their symptoms do not seem to improve, explain your worries to them and encourage them to seek professional help, such as Mercy EAP at (319) 398-6575.

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