If you notice that a friend or loved one’s behavior has been different lately, for example, they have started acting very differently from how they used to, like becoming more withdrawn or avoiding activities they once enjoyed or eating or consuming things they previously thought unhealthy, your first thought should not be to call out a mental health challenge or issue. Instead you want to go on a detective-like journey.
Changes in behavior are sometimes necessary to attain a certain lifestyle, create a specific image, or reach new professional levels (just to name a few). So only once you have determined that the changes in someone’s behavior are due to mental health challenges should you take the necessary or most effective next steps. For most, if not all changes in behavior, a good first step as a concerned friend or family member is to encourage them to confide in someone they trust to talk the situation through and determine how to address the root cause.
Disclaimer
While this article discusses Seven (7) Signs of Potential Mental Health Challenges and How to Address Them, it does not provide a “one-size-fits-all” approach to dealing with individuals experiencing mental health challenges and should in no way constitute a substitution to recommendations from clinical, professional or certified mental health practitioners, providers or institutions. The information herein represents the unique view of the writer and does not necessarily attest to the view of OTguided Inc as an organization and/or Corporation.
Relying on the advice, recommendations and/or solutions provided in this article is at the sole risk of the reader. Under no circumstances shall OTguided Inc, its employees (including the writer of this article), contractors, and partners be held liable, nor deemed to assume any responsibility, obligation or duty with respect to any part or all of this article, of any nature or kind whatsoever, or any matter or proceedings arising out of or relating thereto.
1. Mood swings…
are not always caused by mental health challenges. Life is full of ups and downs and you could be smiling one minute and realize something that will make you cry the next one. It happens and it is ok. However, if you or someone else you know is frequently experiencing change in moods and you believe them to be a serious concern, then:
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Encourage them to confide in someone they trust to talk the situation through and determine how to address the root cause.
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Subscribe them to a positivity podcast or channel, an uplifting membership app, or just Youtube so they can listen to cheerful music and watch silly videos of cats and dogs. They may even decide to get a pet, which is another good option to help fight mood swings and depression.
2. Isolation…
can be a good thing. Sometimes we just need to disconnect from the constant noise and busy schedules and focus on regenerative things such as meditation, prayer or sleep. Think about our busy and lovely working moms for example; they need to unplug every now and then. Same with the loss of interest in things we once liked, enjoyed or participated in. Throughout a lifetime we often grow out of love or interest for things like when we are getting ourselves into a new age and groove. So it is not always about mental health challenges. But when you determine that it is, don’t wait up!
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Encourage them to confide in someone they trust to talk the situation through and determine how to address the root cause.
- Call this person often (not enough for them to say the work “harassment” out loud or want to isolate even more) and ask about their day and all the little things you know they care about.
- Come up with great and fun activities you know they will like and book things in advance. Say “No is out of the question. We are booked and we are going!”
- Be enthusiastic around them. Sometimes it is the negativity around us that we are separating ourselves from. Not just everything.
3. Changes in performance…
happen to everyone. Yes, even the highest and most consistent performers have had a down or “zigzagging” period at one point in their life. Sometimes they are even part of a performance strategy. Never be the one to call things without some facts, or you might just trip on your own mistake. However, if you have worn your Sherlock Holmes attire and have determined someone to be experiencing a mental health challenge, then:
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Encourage them to confide in someone they trust to talk the situation through and determine how to address the root cause.
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Only if comfortable, knowledgeable and applicable, suggest ways for them to compartmentalize and not let external factors they can’t control affect what they can control, such as how well they complete a job or get ready for an exam. You can even take a step further and help them succeed using affordable professional essays writing services offered by ExtraEssay or Nursing-paper (contact us for coupon codes and more)
4. Sleep and eating habits changes…
throughout our life as we become accustomed or acclimated to new environments, cultures, lifestyles and even other people’s preferences. So there is no need to raise the alarm unless you or someone is experiencing changes that are frequent but inconsistent and maybe with no clear justification (i.e. stopped eating or sleeping on your doctor’s recommendation). In this case,
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Encourage them to confide in someone they trust to talk the situation through and determine how to address the root cause. This someone can be themselves, out loud or to a lovely cuddling pet, or on paper. Sometimes we have these little issues which we can solve without external help by asking ourselves the right questions and thinking critically.
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Have them try a new diet as food consumption has been proven to affect our sleep and overall mental health. They can start their new journey using something as simple as a super-coffee from RYZE.
5. Physical health issues…
arise when our body is just not feeling right about something inside. What we experience inside our brain can impact our body and physical abilities or wellness. An example would be being chronically stressed about things in your life. Stress causes us to shut down, think constantly, eat when we don’t need or have to, or put ourselves in certain environments. Which can then cause things such as headaches or stomach aches. While these symptoms could be caused by other things, if you determine someone to be physically ill due to a mental health challenge proceed by priority and level of urgency. Have them
- Seek medical attention from a doctor first, if the physical health concern is preventing them from completing basic day-to-day tasks, you will want them to first
- Confide in someone they trust to talk the situation through and determine how to address the root cause.
6. Substance misuse…
is caused by many factors including but not limited to genetics and peer pressure. It is one of the causes of many negative thoughts and talks or mental health challenges such as the act of degrading others or self-image. Pay attention if you notice your friend using drugs or alcohol more frequently, as this can be a way of trying to cope with emotional pain and so you would want to
- Encourage them to confide in someone they trust to talk the situation through and determine how to address the root cause.
- Seek assistance from licensed and certified mental health and substance abuse practitioners.
- Research substance abuse websites, databases and platforms to educate yourself on how to support someone with substance abuse. A good start is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration
7. Negative thoughts and talks…
are not ones to neglect or downplay. It takes multiple stages of distress and/or pain for someone to start thinking or talking negatively. While sometimes we may say thing in sarcasm or just for fun, it is important to recognize the signs of serious depression with possible or hidden suicidal thoughts.
!! If you hear someone talk about (or if you believe them to be) wanting to hurt themselves, end their life or someone else’s, take it seriously, and seek help immediately by
- Calling a national or local prevention helpline. In Nebraska, call 988.
- Taking this individual to the nearest mental health service provider, and/or
- Having this individual confide in someone they trust to talk the situation through, determine the root cause, and address the situation as soon as possible.
- Researching mental health websites, databases and platforms such as your local DHHS to educate yourself on how to support someone with substance abuse.
By reading this post, you have already taken a step forward and a stand in the fight for Mental Health across the globe, and we hope we have provided you with a helpful toolbox to help you in your personal journey toward a safer, healthier and happier community. While we don’t claim to have the best approach or tips in terms of mental health we understand the challenge there is. Especially for business owners or entrepreneurs. So if you are or know one, don’t let them or you struggle alone. We cannot alleviate all business-related issues but we can at least help develop and grow operations through our affordable services and quite possibly some financing too!
Thanks for Reading and Happy Mental Health Awareness Month!
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