Mental health is an essential part of our overall wellbeing, yet many people fail to seek help when they need it. Thus, following on from my last article, I wanted to touch on this subject a little more. The stigma that still exists around mental health issues can make some people feel isolated or ashamed to talk about it; however, it is important to remember that asking for help and seeking mental health support is a sign of strength and not weakness. Recognising when you need help and knowing how to find it can be life-changing.
In this article, we’re going to have a look at some of the signs that can show it’s time to look through the various methods that are available for the support that you need.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored article, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Read my full disclosure here.
Recognising The Signs Of Deteriorating Mental Health
The decision to seek out mental health support can be hindered or assisted by many factors, such as knowing people who’ve had treatment like this before (Vogel, Wade, Wester, Larson, and Hackler, 2007). It also helps to have people in your life who aren’t blinded by mental health stigma and would suggest seeking treatment.
This is supported by Rüsch, Evans-Lacko, Henderson, Flach, and Thornicroft (2011). They accessed the data from a Department of Health survey in England, which had 1751 participants. The survey was conducted to understand attitudes toward mental health issues. They found that it was important to challenge the existing stigma around mental health, as better knowledge and positive attitudes regarding mental health helped with disclosure and seeking support.
The first step towards getting the help that you need is to recognise the signs that you may need that support. Mental health challenges can show themselves in many different ways, and everybody experiences them differently. That said, some of the most common signs include:
Persistent sadness or anxiety
If you find yourself feeling anxious or overwhelmed for an extended period, it may be time for you to ask for some help. Occasional feelings of sadness are completely normal; however, when these emotions are persistent, and they interfere with your normal daily life, you should make an effort to reach out.
It’s the same with anxiety. Anxiety plays a role in our life that helps keep us safe. However, excessive worrying is an indication that something isn’t right. Thus, to restore your quality of life, then the sooner you’re able to seek help, the easier it’ll be to tackle the issues.
It’s important to remember that experiencing a mental health issue isn’t a sign of weakness, nor is taking medication like antidepressants. So try to avoid masking your struggles rather than seeking help for them.
For more information on understanding depression and its warning signs, please check out my article ‘Am I Depressed? Here Are The Warning Signs‘ by clicking here. For more information on signs of anxiety you might have missed, check out my article, ‘9 Signs You’re Dismissed That Is Actually Anxiety‘ by clicking here.
Changes in behaviour
If you notice sudden changes in behaviour, such as a change in your sleeping pattern, a shift in your appetite, or a withdrawal from social activities, it may indicate mental health struggles. If you notice these changes in yourself or a loved one, it’s time to consider seeking support.
Difficulty concentrating
If you find you are struggling to focus or feel mentally foggy, it can impact your personal life and your work life. If this is something that is a persistent issue, then it might be time to talk to a professional. These can also be caused by health issues, so talking to your GP can be a great place to start.
The feeling of hopelessness
If you find that you are feeling hopeless, as if things will never get any better, you need to reach out for help. These feelings can lead to more severe mental health issues if they’re not addressed. This is especially important to consider if you’re having suicidal thoughts.
Substance dependency
Using drugs or alcohol to cope with emotional pain is a huge warning sign. If you find yourself relying on substances to manage your feelings, then seeking help needs to happen. This is a common way to hide depression and issues with trauma, but such harmful coping strategies always come with a price tag. Therefore, the sooner you take action on this, the quicker you can avoid this habit taking hold, helping to avoid substance dependency forming.
Types Of Mental Health Support Available
Once you have recognised that you need some support, it’s important to know the different channels that are available to you.
Therapy and counselling are some of the most common forms of help; they are professional people who can assist you in exploring your feelings and developing coping strategies. Therapists will offer various methods, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is extremely effective for people who are struggling with anxiety or depression.
If you’re in the UK, you might want to talk to your GP first so you can get a referral to your local mental health team. Alternatively, you can check your local mental health team’s website to see if you can self-refer. If you’re not sure of who your local mental health team is, a good place to look will be on your local council’s website.
Support groups are another excellent way for you to receive support, as you can connect with other people who are experiencing similar challenges. These groups can be both in-person and online. When you attend these groups, you gain a sense of community and shared understanding, which makes it much easier for you to open up about your feelings.
Online resources and hotlines are brilliant if you need immediate support. Additionally, numerous online resources include forums and mental health apps that also offer information and support.
Psychiatric support is something that many people require if they are experiencing severe symptoms. If you live in the UK, you’ll likely be accessed by a psychiatrist before starting therapy. Psychiatrists can assess your needs and may prescribe medication to help you manage your condition. You will find that this is often used in conjunction with therapies.
For people who suspect that they might have conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), then speak to your GP about your concerns and try to get a referral. However, if you don’t mind going private, then seeking a private ADHD assessment can be a good step. This will likely be faster than going through the NHS. A private ADHD assessment can help you understand your symptoms and develop an effective treatment plan. Recognising ADHD can also lead to tailored support and methods that can be employed to improve daily functioning and quality of life.
Taking The First Step For Mental Health Support
Although it can be daunting to take the first step toward seeking help, it is an essential part of the recovery process. It takes courage and strength to ask for help. Denying yourself access to that support will be costly. So don’t let poorly defined images of masculinity stop any of you from taking that first step towards support, allowing you to improve your quality of life. Masculinity isn’t bottling everything up and gritting your teeth through your pain and suffering.
You can acknowledge your feelings and recognise that you need help, as this is the first courageous step towards your recovery. A simple place to start with this might be to write about your feelings and difficulties, such as in a journal. This can help you process what’s happening while helping you understand your needs and how to articulate them.
The next step could be to talk to a trusted family member, a friend, or someone else from your social support network about your struggles. Sometimes this is just what you need to get you through and can lift a huge weight off your shoulders. As the saying goes, “A problem shared is a problem halved”. Often, this will also make it much easier for you to seek professional help.
In the UK, speaking to your GP can be another great step to take. Alternatively, reach out to a mental health charity like Mind for additional support. If going private is an option for you, then research professionals before you reach out, as there are usually specialists who deal with the area that you need help with. It will help you find someone with whom you feel more comfortable. Also, it will help you find a therapist with proper accreditation and training.
Summary
Although there has been a lot of great work in understanding mental health and challenging mental health stigma, this can still stop people from seeking the mental health support they need. Unfortunately, a lot of work still needs to be done.
Getting help for your mental health is an important part of living a healthier, happier life. Whether you are living with persistent anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, or the challenges of ADHD, support is available for you. This support exists to be used, so please do use it.
As always, leave your feedback in the comments section below. Also, please share your experiences with seeking out and accessing mental health support in the comments section below. Don’t forget, if you want to stay up-to-date with my blog, you can sign up for my newsletter below. Alternatively, click the red bell icon in the bottom right corner to get push notifications for new articles.
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References
Rüsch, N., Evans-Lacko, S. E., Henderson, C., Flach, C., & Thornicroft, G. (2011). Knowledge and attitudes as predictors of intentions to seek help for and disclose a mental illness. Psychiatric services, 62(6), 675-678. Retrieved from https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/ps.62.6.pss6206_0675 and https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/pdf/10.1176/ps.62.6.pss6206_0675.
Vogel, D. L., Wade, N. G., Wester, S. R., Larson, L., & Hackler, A. H. (2007). Seeking help from a mental health professional: The influence of one’s social network. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 63(3), 233-245. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20345.
Great post! Very informative, too. Thanks for sharing this
Thanks for commenting
Thank you for addressing this. It’s also difficult for some people to get access to quality mental health care due to income or class status. I feel like in 2024, more needs to be done to help those who need such services.
It would be nice if more could be done to give more people access to services like this. But I fear too many countries won’t make that investment. Thanks for commenting