Mental health is all about a person’s behavioral, cognitive, and emotional wellbeing. It includes how we feel, think, and behave. When our mental health is at risk, our thoughts, feelings, mood, and behavior can all be affected. Although mental illness may be difficult to discuss for some people, it affects about 54 million Americans every year. These mental health conditions affect every aspect of life, from work to personal. We talked to Dr. Alddo Molinar – one of the world’s leading experts on mental health – about the signs of mental health issues and how to help someone you’re worried about.
“Some people see themselves as a burden and think it’s embarrassing to seek help,” says Dr. Alddo Molinar. “But it’s important to continue educating others about the importance of reaching out for help.”
“Mental health issues can weigh anyone down,” he says. He encourages everyone to learn coping strategies to change their thoughts and manage their symptoms.
Also of note, Dr. Molinar points out that “Men are at a greater risk of suicide than women. In fact, males are three to five times more likely to commit suicide than women.”
These statistics serve as a stark reminder that more needs to be done to identify the signs of mental illness and to help reduce suicide rates in our communities.
Dr. Molinar mentions how effects of the coronavirus outbreak like job losses and economic uncertainty have increased mental health issues.
“Whilst the COVID-19 has shone a spotlight on mental health, the stigma remains,” he says.
“Because of the mental health stigma, some people don’t even recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems. Others are afraid to admit that they are struggling with mental health issues.”
It is important to remember that you’re not alone and treatment is available for your mental health condition.
So how do you tell if someone you care about is struggling with a mental health condition? Dr. Alddo Molinar has highlighted some common signs and symptoms to watch out for.
Table of Contents
Dr. Alddo Molinar: Signs and Symptoms of a Mental Disorder
According to Dr. Molinar, here are the most common signs and symptoms of mental health problems:
Difficulty sleeping
“The key changes relate to changes in sleep pattern,” says Dr. Molinar.
You might:
- Have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia)
- Experience problems that interfere with your sleep, such as psychosis, nightmares, panic attacks, or flashbacks.
- Have trouble waking up or getting out of bed
- Feel sleepy or tired all the time
- Sleep too much
A change in sleep quality and sleep pattern may mean that you’re going through stressful moments in your life or you’re feeling anxious about something. Whether you’re worried about your child performing poorly at school or concerned about not finishing a work project on time, it’s normal to worry to some extent.
“Fretting can be a healthy response to different situations, encouraging you to be careful or to put in more effort,” says Dr. Alddo Molinar. However, if it persists for more than two weeks, that may be a warning sign that you have a deeper issue, or one that is affecting your mental health.
“Excessive stress can lead to heavy drinking, depression, and even physical issues like migraine,” notes Dr. Molinar.
So if sleep problems persist, make sure to seek further support.
Mood Swings or Persistent Irritability
Mental health issues can be an underlying factor leading to mood swings and/or persistent irritability. Mood swings may be characterized by the inability to explain why you are feeling a certain way, or by extreme highs or lows. Mood swings can occur in a matter of moments, and without much warning. Sometimes such changes can occur unprovoked. If your mood swings persist or start interfering with your daily activities, it may be a sign of depression.
“You might find yourself suddenly feeling angry or sad,” says Dr. Alddo Molinar. “Or you might not know how to express yourself, and your frustration turns to anger.”
Dr. Molinar notes that although some people may see anger as a negative emotion, it can actually be a positive emotion.
Anger may empower you to stand up for your rights or advocate for social change. But, uncontrolled anger can lead to aggressive reactions or violence and may be a sign that you should seek assistance.
Losing Interest in Activities You Used To Enjoy
If you have lost interest in things you used to enjoy, that could be a sign that your mental health is deteriorating. For instance, maybe you’re an avid golfer, but you’ve recently noticed that the sport no longer gives you pleasure.
Loss of interest in enjoyable activities is a sign of depression, so consult your doctor.
Appetite Changes
“Increased or reduced appetite can be a sign of depression,” notes Dr. Molinar. According to a recent study, a lack of appetite may be because of high levels of stress hormones in the body.
“Any changes in your eating habits could potentially impact your mental health or be a sign that your mental health is already at risk,”
“If symptoms persist, it’s best to seek medical advice,” says Dr. Molinar.
Regular heavy drinking
Many people resort to drugs and alcohol to help them escape reality, according to Dr. Molinar.
“People may use drugs or alcohol to deal with their feelings of loneliness, sadness, or hopelessness,” he says. But, for some, drug and alcohol abuse can lead to dependency and addiction. This can adversely affect one’s mental health and lead to a cycle where it continues to deteriorate.
Other signs and symptoms of potential mental health risks may include:
- Low energy
- Forced happiness
- Weight gain and loss
- Loss of concentration
- Low sex drive
- Being less optimistic than other people around you
- Health disorders and physical pains
If you’re worried that a loved one has a mental illness, talk to them about their signs and symptoms. Dr. Alddo Molinar suggests offering non-judgmental advice and support.
“The key is noticing changes in someone you love, and asking them about these changes in a way that allows them to be open and honest with you,” he says.
Although different mental health conditions have different symptoms, the above list should help you begin to recognize when you may want to seek mental health services. The sooner you seek support, the sooner you will be on the journey to recovery.
Practical Mental Health Tips from Dr. Alddo Molinar
According to Dr. Molinar, not all the above symptoms mean that you have a mental illness. However, it may mean that you should consider changes to your daily routine in order to improve your mental health.
He says it is essential to prioritize your mental health just like your physical health.
There are several reasons to prioritize your mental health. Dr. Molinar notes:
- It may be easier to help prevent mental illness than to treat it once it has become a problem.
- Poor mental health can also increase the risk of physical health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Even if you take proper care of your physical health, ignoring your mental health can be detrimental to your physical health.
- Your mental health significantly influences your quality of life. Mental health issues can affect your relationships, social life, and your ability to perform well at work or school.
The best way to take care of your mental health is by creating healthy habits. These include:
- Aiming for 6 to 8 hours of quality sleep every night
- Eating well-balanced meals
- Exercising regularly
- Drinking plenty of water
- Practicing relaxation strategies, such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness
- Avoiding accessing consumption of alcohol
- Getting support from people you trust
Dr. Alddo Molinar on Getting Professional Help
If you’re suffering from a mental health issue, self-care strategies alone might not be enough. You may also need to seek professional help to assist with a mental health recovery.
Certain tips, like getting support from friends, practicing mindfulness, or eating well-balanced meals, can help improve your mental health. However, you may still need to seek professional support to get back to normal. Remember, you’re not alone in this and there’s no shame in seeking help.
Talking to a professional mental health provider can help you recognize your symptoms and get the treatment you need.
Also read: How to Identify a Good Clinic When Seeking Medical Services
