Building up the courage to seek help for your mental health can be hard. So many people suffer in silence and alone for so long, hoping that things will get better by themselves.
But that isn't always the case. You wouldn't ignore a physical health problem in the hope it will get better by itself, and your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
Mental health charity Mind want people to know that it is always ok to ask for help, even if you are unsure what you are experiencing is a specific mental health problem. It can be useful to know when it can be a good time to
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There is no limit to to the number of signs and symptoms you may be experiencing that mean you should get help for your mental health, but Rosie Weatherly, Information Content Manager at Mind, has helped us detail why certain signs may be an indication that it is time to reach out. Rosie said: “It can be difficult to know when it’s the right time to seek support for our mental health. Everybody is different – we don’t all have the same ways of expressing or managing our moods, emotions or energy levels. Our personal circumstances can also impact our mental health and how we cope with it. Ultimately, if you feel like you need or want support, then that’s enough of a reason to seek it."
But if you are unsure, some potential signs to look out for may include the following:
Six signs that could indicate it is time to get help for your mental health:
1. Worrying more than usual
You might want to seek help if you are worrying more than usual and the things that you’re thinking, feeling or experiencing scare you, or feel out of your control. Rosie explained: “Everyone has worries in their life – whether it’s to do with your personal or work life, things can often play on our minds. However, if you find yourself worrying or feeling more anxious than usual, it could be a sign that you may need some support. If that happens, it might be a good idea to speak to your GP about how you’re feeling.”
2. You're finding that your mental health is having a negative impact on your work, studies, hobbies or relationships
You might find that your mental health is affecting other aspects of your life, this could be a sign that it is time to ask for help. Rosie said: “Enjoying hobbies can be a great way to unwind and boost your emotional wellbeing. But if you notice you’re not enjoying the things you usually do, or you’re struggling to motivate yourself to do the things you enjoy, this could be a problem. Talking to your GP can help and if necessary they may be able to point you in the right direction for further support.”
3. Having thoughts and feelings that are difficult to cope with
If you are having thoughts and feelings that are difficult to cope with, and they are having an impact on your day-to-day life, you may find it useful to reach out to your GP and see if you can get further support.
Rosie said: “It can be difficult to know when it’s the right time to seek support for our mental health. Everybody is different – we don’t all have the same ways of expressing or managing our moods, emotions or energy levels. Our personal circumstances can also impact our mental health and how we cope with it. Ultimately, if you feel like you need or want support, then that’s enough of a reason to seek it.
4. You’re struggling to look after yourself
Rosie said this could include things like managing your physical health, finances, sleep, food or personal hygiene.
5. Things have changed
You might have noticed that something's changed about your mental health or wellbeing. Rosie explained that one example of this is you notice that you’re worrying or feeling anxious more than usual. Or that things that used to help you feel better are no longer working as well.
6. You feel unable to keep yourself safe
If this is the case, you should seek support immediately – you can find urgent help on Mind’s website.
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