Recognizing Signs of Mental Health Challenges
By Clinical Mental Health Team
Understanding the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges is an important step toward supporting personal well-being and recognizing when someone else may need help. While many resources are available, it is common for individuals to find it difficult to reach out, and awareness can make a meaningful difference.
In some cases, individuals experiencing mental illness may not recognize that they are unwell. This is not necessarily intentional “denial.” Certain mental health conditions can affect a person’s ability to think clearly or evaluate their own experiences. This lack of insight is known as anosognosia, a clinical term meaning “to not know a disease.” When insight is impaired, individuals may become even more isolated, making external support essential.
Signs and Symptoms
Mental health symptoms vary from person to person, but adults and adolescents may experience:
- Excessive worrying or fear.
- Persistent sadness or feeling low.
- Confused thinking or difficulty concentrating and learning.
- Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or euphoria.
- Prolonged irritability or anger.
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or social activities.
- Difficulty understanding or relating to others.
- Changes in sleep patterns or ongoing fatigue.
- Noticeable changes in appetite or eating habits.
- Changes in sex drive.
- Difficulty perceiving reality, including delusions or hallucinations.
- Lack of awareness of changes in one’s own emotions, behavior, or personality.
- Substance misuse involving alcohol or drugs.
- Frequent physical complaints without clear medical causes (headaches, stomach aches, general aches and pains).
- Thoughts of suicide.
- Difficulty managing daily tasks, responsibilities, or stress.
- Intense fear of weight gain or preoccupation with appearance.
Support and Resources
Help is available for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or concerned about someone else. Individuals can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate, confidential support.