Signs of mental health issues

Almost 1 in 2 Australians will experience a mental health disorder at some point in their life. It is important to learn the signs that could hint that a friend or family member is struggling with their mental health.

Often there's not a single sign, but a combination of signs.

There are many different signs that may suggest that someone could be experiencing mental health challenges. Some may not be caused by a serious problem and may be a part of normal life.

If at any time you are worried about your own mental wellbeing, or someone else's mental wellbeing, it is best you speak with a mental health professional as soon as possible. Even if you are unsure, it is safer to get help early.

You can also read more about:

• mental health and where to get help
• talking to your GP about mental health
• Australian mental health services
• kids and mental health
• teenage mental health

Feeling anxious or worried

Most people get worried or stressed from time to time.

Anxiety could be a sign of a mental health problem if you are constantly worrying and it interferes with your daily activities. You might find yourself going over things in your head repeatedly or unable to concentrate. It might lead you to avoid certain situations, and you may limit your interactions with other people.

Physical symptoms of anxiety may include:

• heart palpitations and shortness of breath
• stomach, chest and shoulder pain
• difficulty sleeping
• shaking and trembling
• sweating
• nausea
• feeling a sense of panic, doom and being out of control

Read more about:

• anxiety in children
• anxiety in teenagers
• anxiety conditions

Feeling depressed or unhappy

Feeling depressed may include feeling:

• sad, irritable or numb
• lacking in motivation and energy
• teary all the time
• low interest in a hobby or not enjoying things that you usually enjoy
• hopeless or like a burden to others around you

For more information, also read about:

• depression in men
• depression in women
• depression in children
• how to help someone with depression

Emotional outbursts

Everyone has different moods at different times. When mood changes are sudden and dramatic, such as extreme distress or anger, it can be a symptom of mental illness.

Sleep problems

A change in your sleep patterns could be a symptom of a mental health problem. This includes insomnia or sleeping too much. Some people might sleep all day and be up all night.

Weight or appetite changes

For some people, eating more or less than usual, weight gain or rapid weight loss could be a warning sign of a mental health disorder.

Being more quiet or withdrawn than usual

Withdrawing from life, especially if this is a major change from your usual personality, could indicate a mental health disorder. If a friend or loved one is isolating themselves and refusing to join in social activities, they may need help.

Substance abuse

Using substances to cope, such as alcohol or drugs, can be a sign of mental health problems. Using substances can also increase your risk of developing mental illness.

Feeling guilty or worthless

Persistent unpleasant thoughts like 'I'm a failure', 'it's my fault' or 'I'm worthless' are all possible signs of a mental health disorder. You, your friend or loved one may need help if they have low self-esteem and often criticise or blame themselves for things beyond their control.

Suicidal thoughts

With some mental health problems, you may have suicidal thoughts about wanting to end your life or to self-harm. You may have harmed yourself or be thinking about ways to die. Some people may have thoughts of harming others.

People may express feeling depressed, sad, hopeless, like a burden to others or worthless. These can be warning signs that someone is having suicidal thoughts.

Suicidal thoughts do not necessarily mean that you are planning to take your life. Sometimes, it just means you want your suffering to end. Other times, you may want to act on them. These thoughts can be very distressing. If you have suicidal thoughts, remember you are not alone. Many people who have had suicidal thoughts have found a way through them.

Read more about:

• experiencing suicidal thoughts
• suicide warning signs
• youth suicide

• Learn more about suicide and how it affects different communities and age groups (Opens in new tab) at Suicide Prevention Australia.
• Read about mental health, suicide and how to have conversations during difficult times at R U OK? (Opens in new tab)
• Visit Headspace (Opens in new tab) for information, support and resources about mental health in young people.

Languages other than English

Embrace Multicultural Mental Health (Opens in new tab) offers mental health resources and personal stories translated into various community languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

• Beyond Blue offers helpful contacts and information about depression and anxiety (Opens in new tab) for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
• Black Dog Institute has support services (Opens in new tab) for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
• Visit 13YARN (Opens in new tab) or call 13 92 76 to talk to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis support worker. This service is available 24/7.

Information for sexually and gender-diverse families

HERE (Opens in new tab) is a suicide prevention hub, which connects people of diverse genders and sexualities and their loved ones.