Poor mental health can manifest itself in a number of ways, some emotional, some cognitive and some physical. It’s important to be alert to this, and to recognise that something that appears to be a physical problem, might have a mental health issue at its heart.
It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of poor mental health and to seek help if you are experiencing any of these. Some common signs and symptoms of poor mental health include:
- Emotional symptoms: feelings of sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, or irritability; difficulty concentrating; low self-esteem; changes in appetite or weight; difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much; feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope with daily tasks.
- Cognitive symptoms: difficulty making decisions; difficulty remembering things; difficulty concentrating or paying attention; feeling confused or disorganized.
- Physical symptoms: changes in appetite or weight; difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much; fatigue or lack of energy; physical aches and pains; changes in sex drive.
The key thing is to know yourself and what is usual for you, so that you are aware and notice things like this. It is important to remember that everyone is different and may experience different symptoms of poor mental health. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional or other support resources.
Learn more about mental health and wellbeing here and read our Quick Tips Series here.