The red flag signs you could be suffering depression or anxiety – from drinking too much to not sleeping
It's not just feeling stressed, down and anxious you need to watch out for...
WE always look out for our friends, family and loved ones - but are you looking out for yourself?
Mental health problems affect everyone, so it's just as important you know the signs your mental health might be suffering.
It's easy to put the odd blue day here and there down to stress at work, or anxiety about something else going on in your life - but this World Mental Health day we are asking you to think twice.
How often do they really happen? Are they a sign that something else is going on under the surface and perhaps you need some help.
It's not just feeling sad or stressed you need to look out for either - if you're drinking more than usual, having problems sleeping or just generally feel out of sorts then it's a good idea to speak to a GP to talk about your options.
Last month The Sun launched our You're Not Alone campaign to remind anyone facing a tough time, grappling with mental illness or feeling like there's nowhere left to turn, that there is hope.
Around 10 million Brits have suicidal thoughts, while three million have attempted to take their own life - that's around one attempt every four minutes.
Here's the key signs of mental illness to look out for in yourself - and how to cope with it...
The key signs your mental health might be suffering
Laura Peters, head of advice and information at Rethink Mental Illness, told The Sun: "Disorders that fall under the bracket of 'mental illness' are broad ranging, and in many cases early symptoms can suggest a number of different diagnoses.
"That said, there are some common symptoms run through many illnesses."
They are:
- Sudden change in character/behaviour. For example, becoming silent and withdrawn; risky or dangerous; spending excessively
- Being inactive or sleeping more than usual
- Lack of sleep or insomnia. Some people find they struggle to get to sleep and will go days without proper rest.
- Extreme mood swings
- Stress
- Substance abuse - think drinking more than usual or taking drugs
- Thinking about suicide - many people think about suicide for a long time before they realise they need help
What emotions can you expect to feel?
As the saying goes, everyone is different.
That means your mental health struggle will be different from other's experience with the same condition, but that's completely normal.
"People with mental illness experience the same range of emotions that a mentally healthy person experiences, but is likely to experience them for longer periods of time, or with much greater strength," Laura explained.
FIND OUT MORE 10 signs your loved one could be at risk of suicide…from drinking too much to a lack of sleep
"Someone with bipolar disorder for example can experience both highs and lows.
"However, the 'high' is actually what’s known as mania, where they might feel full of energy for days on end, not needing to sleep, but are unable to focus on single things for long periods of times.
"The lows too are that much lower, where in severe cases an individual might not want (or feel that they are able) to leave their room.
"Anxiety is also a good example. It is normal to feel anxious in certain situations, perhaps you’re about to make a speech to a large group of people, but someone with severe anxiety might feel that way all of the time."
As your mental health gets worse, what else will you notice?
The symptoms mention above are a broad range of symptoms that will be there right from the start.
But as your mental health deteriorates, the symptoms will get worse.
"As time progresses, the early symptoms can become more pronounced, and new symptoms can appear," Laura said.
"Without the proper treatment, this can have serious effects on a person’s wellbeing.
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost - to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet, it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. To remind anyone facing a tough time, grappling with mental illness or feeling like there's nowhere left to turn, that there is hope.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others. You're Not Alone.
For a list of support services available, please see the Where To Get Help box below.
"It’s worth noting that it’s not possible for some people to recognise or accept that they are ill.
"Someone experiencing the delusion that there are cameras in their house watching their every move is unlikely to be convinced when they are shown evidence to the contrary.
"They also wouldn’t recognise it as a sign of mental illness, because their belief does not seem irrational to them.
"It’s more likely that they would become distressed, as they don’t understand why you don’t believe something that they know to be true."
The next step: Getting help
If you are feeling down, stressed, anxious, moody...whatever your feelings, it's important to remember that there is no shame in asking for help.
Mental health problems don't discriminate. It doesn't care about about your age, income, race, religion, gender, social background.
If you're struggling, ask for help, even if it's from a friend to begin with.
Suicide in Britain – the tragic facts
- 1 in 15 adults in England have attempted suicide
- 3 out of 4 deaths by suicide are men
- Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50
- Suicide is the biggest killer of women aged 20 to 34
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for people under 35
- People diagnosed with a mental health disorder are 5 to 15 times more likely to die by suicide
- Unemployed people are 2.5 times more likely to die by suicide than employed
- Low-skilled male labourers, particularly in construction, have a 3 times higher risk of suicide
- Prisoners are up to 10 times more likely to die by suicide
- Young people who have been sexually abused are 8 times more likely to attempt suicide
- Gay and bisexual men are 4 times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual men
- Around 26% of young women have self-harmed
- 1 in 7 deaths of new mothers is by suicide
- Homeless people are 5 times more likely to die by suicide
How can you talk to friends about your feelings?
It's incredibly daunting saying something like "I'm so down I don't feel I can cope" or "I'm having suicidal thoughts", but a true friend will listen and support you.
"The number one priority for someone when they’re struggling is to seek out medical help," Laura said.
"But there is no reason why they should do this on their own.
"While it can feel extremely isolating, talking to a trusted friend or family member can help to share the load that they are bearing."
Or, if you are the friend someone is talking to, don't make them feel judged.
"The onus here is on the friend or family member to make them feel as comfortable as possible," Laura added.
"If someone chooses to disclose that they’ve been diagnosed, or even that they are struggling, it’s vital to be receptive and non-judgemental, even if you don’t immediately understand.
"It’s also important to remember that whilst it’s good to ask questions in order to understand their situation better, stigmatising questions like 'what do you have to be depressed about?' can do a lot of damage."
Where can you get help?
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, there are a number of options available to you.
Your local GP will likely be the best person to approach for help, and they are happy to conduct home visits if you do not feel comfortable travelling to their surgery.
Your GP will have extensive information on mental health services in your area, and will be able to refer you to the correct path for treatment.
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