How can I tell if someone has a mental health problem?

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.

A mental health problem may start out as subtle changes to how you feel, think and behave. If you have ongoing and significant changes, it could be a sign that you are developing a mental health disorder. If something doesn't seem 'quite right', it's important to have a conversation about getting help.

The list of signs is not meant to diagnose a mental health disorder. It can, however, help make you aware if there’s a good reason for concern, and to encourage you to seek professional support. Getting help early can prevent things from getting worse — you don’t need a diagnosis to benefit from support.

What are the signs of mental health issues?

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

Feeling extremely excited or upbeat

Your friend or family member might seem manic, or be overly happy or excited. They might make impulsive decisions or spend large amounts of money that they can't afford.

Neglect and performing less well

You may notice that a friend or relative seems less capable than they used to be. They might be doing poorly at school or work and not meeting their responsibilities. They might stop caring about their appearance or personal hygiene. They may have trouble remembering things or focusing on a task.

High-risk behaviour

If a friend or relative starts doing risky things — such as unprotected sex, substance abuse, dangerous driving or crime — this could indicate a mental health problem. Seek help straight away.

Unusual or strange thoughts

Someone might have a mental health problem if they think unusual or strange thoughts, including:

• that they have a special power
• someone else is controlling their thoughts or actions
• people are out to get them (without any clear reason)
• they can see or hear things that other people can't

Where to get help

If you are concerned about a friend or loved one, ask them how you can help. The first step for a person with symptoms of a mental health disorder is to see a doctor or other healthcare professional.

• Medicare Mental Health — for advice and to get connected to local mental health services, you can call 1800 595 212. Check the operating times.
• Beyond Blue — call 1300 22 4636
• ReachOut — online mental health support for young people
• SANE Australia — call 1800 187 263

If you need more information and support, visit Lifeline for 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Lifeline listens confidentially without judgment and can suggest where to get help that is right for you.

Read about

• mental health first aid
• kids and mental health
• mental health resources

Resources and support

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

Languages other than English

Embrace Multicultural Mental Health 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 for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
• Black Dog Institute has support services for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
• Visit 13YARN 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 is a suicide prevention hub, which connects people of diverse genders and sexualities and their loved ones.