How to Recognise Mental Health Symptoms in Yourself
One of the most significant barriers to getting mental health support is not recognising that your symptoms are mental-health-related. Physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches and digestive problems, or behavioural changes like social withdrawal and poor concentration, are often attributed to physical health, busyness or personality — rather than to a treatable mental health condition.
Emotional Warning Signs
- Persistent sadness, hopelessness or emptiness lasting more than two weeks
- Feeling anxious, worried or fearful most of the time without clear cause
- Emotional numbness or inability to feel pleasure in things you used to enjoy
- Mood swings that feel disproportionate to the situation
- Feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt or shame
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Behavioural Warning Signs
- Withdrawing from friends, family and social activities you used to enjoy
- Changes in sleep — sleeping much more or much less than usual
- Significant changes in appetite or weight without physical cause
- Difficulty completing work tasks or maintaining routine
- Increased use of alcohol or other substances to cope
- Neglecting self-care and personal hygiene
Cognitive Warning Signs
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering things or making decisions
- Racing or intrusive thoughts that are hard to control
- Catastrophic or excessively negative thinking patterns
- Difficulty separating realistic from unrealistic fears
The Two-Week Rule
A useful heuristic: if you have noticed concerning symptoms most days for two or more weeks, and they are affecting your ability to function in work, relationships or daily life, it is worth seeking a professional assessment. Mental health conditions are easier to treat when caught early.
📱 Mentis's daily mood tracking creates an objective record of your emotional state over time — making it easier to spot concerning patterns and decide when to seek support.
How to Talk About It
If you recognise symptoms in yourself, start by telling someone you trust — a friend, family member or GP. You do not need to have all the answers or a diagnosis to reach out. Saying "I have not been feeling like myself lately and I think I might need some support" is enough.