How to tell if someone has poor mental health
Recognising the signs that someone is having mental health issues early can make a big difference.
Here's some practical advice for noticing common signs and symptoms of poor mental health and what to do about it.
On this page
Emotional signs
- Increased irritability. Someone who is usually calm may start to lose their temper quickly or become frustrated over minor things.
- Hyperactivity. A person might have more nervous energy than they normally do.
- Withdrawal. They might seem distant or lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, like hobbies, social outings or spending time with family.
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness. It’s not uncommon for people to feel down from time to time, but if it lasts for weeks or months, it might be a sign of depression.
Physical signs
- Fatigue or low energy. The person might feel tired all the time, even if they’re sleeping more than usual.
- Changes in sleep patterns. Look for difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep or sleeping too much.
- Appetite or weight changes. Sudden weight gain or loss can signal anxiety, depression or other conditions.
Behavioural signs
- Restlessness or agitation. People with anxiety may appear on edge or struggle to relax.
- Avoidance. They may begin to avoid certain situations like work, social events or routine errands due to anxiety or fear.
- Feeling flat. You may notice they have less energy than normal and are not engaging as much in hobbies or activities that would normally bring them joy.
- Feeling overwhelmed. They may appear to be overwhelmed by simple tasks.
Increased use of alcohol or drugs. They may turn to substances to cope with overwhelming emotions or situations.
State of mind
- Difficulty concentrating. Tasks that used to be easy for them, like reading or following a conversation, may become harder.
- Indecisiveness. They may struggle to make even small decisions, possibly due to anxiety or overwhelming thoughts.
- Negative thinking. This could include a new or increasing focus on worst-case scenarios or a general sense of dread and pessimism.
It’s not always easy to see when someone is struggling, but your instincts can guide you.
You can’t go wrong by simply showing that you care. Sometimes the smallest act of asking how someone’s doing will make a huge difference.
How to help someone manage stressors
Helping someone manage stressors can involve a bit of trial and error. Here are some approaches that may help:
- Create calming and safe environments. If you identify certain situations or places as stressors, work together to create a plan. For example, agree on a safe, comfortable space they can retreat to when they need to.
Encourage healthy coping skills. Techniques and exercises of deep breathing, mindfulness, or meditation can help a person calm themselves when faced with a stressor. You can help with practicing these exercises or remind them to use them when stressful situations arise.
Here are some guided breathing and relaxation exercises to try →
Encourage proactive self-care. Encourage them to keep a healthy routine, including regular exercise, healthy eating and enough sleep. These simple things build resilience to stressors and boost self-confidence and general wellbeing.
Our Wellbeing Action Tool is a great way to find out what works for you →
- Respect their boundaries. If someone tells you that a particular situation is too much for them, listen and respect their need to step back from it.
Take the Anxiety and Depression Test (K10)
Talk to a counsellor online
This is a private, safe space to get mental health advice. Beyond Blue’s counsellors will listen and support and can also help find the right mental health services.
Take the Money and Mental Health Quiz
This quiz can help someone understand what kind of support they might need right now if financial challenges are impacting their mental health.
Call a Beyond Blue counsellor
Connect with others online
The Beyond Blue Forum is a place where people chat, share experiences and learn from each other. It’s a completely anonymous, welcoming and judgment-free peer support community.
