How to Recognise Poor Mental Health?

by Andy Williams - last updated 29th March 2024

On 23 June 2023, my mental health was at an all-time low. I hated my reflection and was severely depressed about my weight. Commuting every day into London didn't help. I won't delve too much into detail, but I felt quite isolated and alone, with little positivity about my future. Thank God, a year on, I'm in a completely different headspace. So, let's look at how to recognise poor mental health.

Mental health is now more than ever in the forefront of society. No matter who you are, we are encouraged to open up and talk. I've learned that mental health severely impacts our physical health.

Understanding Mental Health

To understand mental health, you have to recognise it as a vital component of your overall well-being, just as important, if not more so, than our physical health. It encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel, and behave daily. Our mental health affects our decision-making processes, which in turn leads to the direction we take in life. Let's not kid ourselves; we will all experience fluctuations in our mental health due to various factors such as life events, stress, or genetic predispositions. Recognising that mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, is the first step to reducing stigma and promoting a culture of support and understanding.

Common Signs of Poor Mental Health

Recognising and understanding our mental health is crucial. Here are some common signs of poor mental health to look out for within yourself or those around you:

Persistent sadness or low mood: Feeling down, tearful, or experiencing persistent sadness that doesn’t go away.

Excessive worries or fears: Constantly feeling anxious, worried, or scared about various aspects of life without a clear reason.

Changes in sleeping patterns: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, or conversely, sleeping too much.

Changes in eating habits: Significant weight loss or gain not attributed to dieting or changes in physical activity, or changes in appetite.

Lack of interest in activities: Losing interest in activities once enjoyed, leading to social withdrawal.

Low energy or fatigue: Feeling unusually tired and having little to no energy to perform daily tasks, even when well-rested.

Irritability or short temper: Experiencing increased irritability, anger, or frustration over minor issues.

Difficulty concentrating: Trouble focusing on tasks, making decisions, or remembering things.

Feelings of worthlessness or guilt: Harboring negative thoughts about oneself, excessive guilt, or feelings of worthlessness.

Physical symptoms: Experiencing unexplained physical symptoms such as headaches, back pain, or stomachaches.

Neglecting responsibilities: Struggling to meet work, school, or family responsibilities due to a lack of motivation or focus.

After looking at the common signs of poor mental health, it may be a good idea to pause for a moment and see which of these sneak into your life or if they're more permanent.

Impact on Daily Life and Relationships

Poor mental health can significantly impact daily life and relationships. If you're reading this article, it likely has done this for you or someone you know. Ever had that feeling where you just don't want to get out of bed one day and find it hard to muster the enthusiasm to participate in pretty much anything other than watching Netflix?

Daily Functioning and Productivity

One of the most negative things about having poor mental health is how it can sap your energy and motivation. One of the biggest questions I get asked on TikTok is how to find the motivation to change someone's life. And my answer would always be to start with mental health as this really is a key component in somebody having zero energy or motivation to do or change anything. In younger people, this could lead to decreased productivity at work or school. People can miss deadlines, produce poor quality work, and these results can lead into a downward spiral whether that be in your job, at school, or with general relationships.

Social Withdrawal and Isolation

Social withdrawal and isolation are common signs of someone experiencing poor mental health. Someone struggling will often withdraw from social interactions, maybe not wanting to go out and enjoy activities that you think they would. It could be a family event or a work do, and excuses may creep in as to why they can't go. This isolation can lead to a lack of support because they are isolating themselves from people that potentially could help. A cycle of loneliness will only lead to a poorer mental health state. Relationships with friends and family can suffer as those who genuinely care and want to help may feel pushed away and give up on these individuals. This can put a huge strain on relationships.

Physical Health Decline

Now, this blog was originally designed to be around physical health, but after losing the amount of weight I have over the last year, it became clear to me how important mental health was and still is. Mental health significantly impacts our physical health; stress and anxiety can lead to poor sleep, poor eating, and a complete lack of motivation to do any physical activity, all of which contribute to our physical health. So, could a decline in someone's physical health be the outcome of a decline in their mental health? There can be a vicious cycle where these two intertwined parts of us can either go on an upwards trajectory or a downward spiral.

Increased Risky Behaviors

You may notice some people doing things that they've never done before. It could be alcohol, drugs, or similar things that you may be shocked to discover they are doing, and all of this could be an attempt to cope with their mental health struggles. Often, behaviours like this lead to addiction and health problems, and most people in this state, when we look at the root causes, can be traced back to poor mental health.

When to Seek Professional Help

There comes a point where it is time to seek professional help for mental health issues, as this is crucial in managing symptoms and improving overall well-being.

If some of the symptoms mentioned previously become persistent and last for more than a few weeks, it may be time to seek professional help.

If you find that symptoms are having a significant impact on your daily life, in my opinion, this is an indicator of that downward spiral. When impact becomes significant, that is when it could be time to turn to professional help.

Extremely important would be thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Any thoughts of self-harm or suicide are serious and require immediate professional attention. If you or someone you know is experiencing these thoughts, seek help immediately.

Where to Seek Help:

Your GP can offer an initial assessment if you reach out and ask for it, and then potentially refer you to a mental health specialist if they deem necessary.

Mental health professionals have been on the rise massively over the last few years, and there are more and more free or paid-for services that give people the ability to talk to someone. Most workplaces now have a support function for people suffering from poor mental health.

At the bottom of this article, I will link some places where you can seek help if you or someone you know is suffering from poor mental health.

Supporting Someone with Poor Mental Health

It can be quite daunting. The idea of supporting someone with poor mental health as how do you know if you're having a positive or negative effect? Is it too much for you to help with? Well, what I do know is that doing nothing definitely won't help. So here are a few little tips.

Listen Without Judgement

Create a safe space where they can share their feelings without fear of judgement. Listening attentively and empathetically can help them feel understood and less alone.

Educate Yourself

Learn about their specific mental health issues to better understand what they're experiencing. This can help you provide more targeted support and dispel any misconceptions.

Encourage Professional Help

Gently suggest seeking professional help if they haven't already. Offer to help them find a therapist or accompany them to an appointment if they're nervous about going alone.

Check-in Regularly

Regular contact through calls, texts, or visits can remind them that you care. Ask how they're feeling and whether there's anything specific they need.

Offer Practical Help

Mental health struggles can make daily tasks overwhelming. Offer practical help, such as running errands, cooking meals, or assisting with household chores.

Be Patient

Recovery from mental health issues can be a slow process with ups and downs. Show patience and understanding, even if progress seems slow or non-linear.

Encourage Self-Care

Encourage them to engage in activities that promote wellbeing, such as exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and mindfulness or relaxation techniques. Participate in these activities together if possible.

Set Boundaries

Supporting someone with mental health issues can be emotionally taxing. Set healthy boundaries to ensure you don't become overwhelmed and can continue offering support without compromising your own wellbeing.

Avoid Offering Solutions

While it may be tempting to offer solutions, it's often more helpful to just listen. Advice-giving can sometimes come across as dismissive of their feelings or experiences.

Stay Informed about Crisis Resources

Be aware of crisis intervention resources, such as hotlines and emergency services, in case their mental health deteriorates rapidly or if they express thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Promote Hope

Remind them that recovery is possible and that you'll be there to support them through their journey. Celebrate small victories and positive steps they take towards their mental health.

Maintain Normalcy

While supporting them through their struggles, also try to maintain normalcy in your interactions. Continue to share everyday experiences, laughter, and activities that can provide a sense of normality and respite from their challenges.

Remember, while you can offer support, you are not a replacement for professional mental health treatment. Encouraging and facilitating access to professional care is one of the best ways to support someone with mental health issues.

My Personal Opinion on Recognising Poor Mental Health

In June 2023, I was at rock bottom. The idea of having fun with the kids, going for a meal, socialising with other people, nothing helped. I despised mirrors and my reflection, and my physical health was a shambles. I was like a ball of depression being pushed along in life. 

I'm not 100% sure why something snapped, but something did. Something in my head said enough is enough, and a year later, the person that stood before me in the mirror one year ago has gone. I can't lie; he's not gone completely, as there's this tiny part of me that could quite happily go and eat a bucket of chicken from KFC, buy 20 cigarettes, drink 10 Guinness, and stick my two fingers up at the world. 

Maybe this is due to more deep-rooted issues that have been unresolved, but for the moment, the fact that I recognise that a tiny sliver of me is capable of going down this route makes it so much easier to control. I understand the signs of my own mental health now and can take action to prevent myself from falling into a downward spiral. 

Every day I'm pushing myself upwards and onwards to try and be the best version of me possible. And I'm not going to lie, this isn't easy. Mental health isn't easy. Being the best version of us isn't easy, but nothing in life is easy. Please, if anyone out there is suffering from poor mental health, don't suffer alone. Reach out, find help, and talk.

I just want to say again, please, if anyone reading this is experiencing poor mental health or knows someone who is, then reach out and talk because there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Help in the UK for Mental Health

NHS

The National Health Service (NHS) offers mental health services including counselling and therapy through GP referrals. The NHS website also provides valuable information on how to access various mental health services.

Mind

Mind provides advice, support, and information to people experiencing a mental health problem. They offer a helpline, urgent help services, and online resources.

Samaritans

Samaritans offer a 24-hour confidential listening service for anyone in emotional distress. You can contact them by calling 116 123 for free from any phone.

Rethink Mental Illness

Rethink Mental Illness offers support groups, advice, and information on mental health conditions, as well as campaigning for policy change.

SANE

SANE offers emotional support, information, and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families, and caregivers.