Signs and symptoms of poor mental health

Mental illness often goes undiagnosed. Everyone has ups and downs, so it isn’t always easy to spot the difference between a low mood and a mental health disorder. It’s important to recognise the signs in yourself, or someone you care about, to get a proper diagnosis and find the right, professional mental health treatment. Here are some common indications of mental health problems.

Feeling anxious or depressed

It’s normal to have days where you feel anxious or worried about something but, if it’s happening more often than not, you may be suffering from a mental health disorder. Symptoms such as heart palpitations, headaches, restlessness and insomnia can indicate you aren’t coping with anxiety and need help. Depression can be another sign of mental health problems. If you’ve been feeling despondent and disconnected from life for a while it’s worth asking Delamere about mental health treatments that could help.
Lack of appetite and trouble sleeping
Busy minds, stress and substance abuse can make it difficult to fall off to sleep and also affect the quality of our sleep. When sleeping patterns are permanently disrupted over a long period of time, this can have a negative impact on mental health. Mental health disorders and appetite are also very closely linked. While people suffering with depression may lose the will to eat, people with eating disorders can end up feeling depressed due to changes in brain chemistry. If you’re struggling with lack of sleep or appetite, speak to our mental health professionals at Delamere.

Withdrawing from social situations

When you’re struggling with your mental health it can be difficult to face people. You may find that you’ve lost interest in things you used to love doing, or just don’t want to be in social situations anymore. When this starts becoming a regular occurrence it’s time to seek mental health treatment. Having a social network, and other people you can lean on, is an important part of your recovery. At Delamere, we encourage our guests to talk openly with others in group therapy and build relationships that can support them in their life beyond treatment.

Drug and alcohol abuse

Turning to substance abuse is common for someone suffering with mental health problems. You may notice someone is drinking more alcohol than usual or taking drugs or prescription painkillers to get through the day. What starts as a means of ‘taking the edge off’ can soon become a physical and mental need. This can sadly very easily turn into alcohol addiction or drug addiction without effective mental health treatment.

Mental health problems can start for all sorts of reasons such as trauma or abuse, substance use, social reasons or financial pressures. The Delamere approach is about getting to the source of the problem and finding the best way for you to overcome your challenges.

Mood swings and psychological problems

If you notice that someone is becoming quick to anger, shouting at people or overreacting at the slightest thing, it could be a sign of mental health problems. Everyone has off days, but extreme mood swings can indicate bipolar disorder or other mental illnesses, such as personality disorders. If you are worried about serious changes in your behaviour or in someone you know, get in touch with the therapists at Delamere for confidential advice.