Early Warning Signs of Mental Health Issues to Watch For

Noticing the early signs of mental health problems is super important. It helps us get help when we need it. Here are some key signs to watch out for:

1. Changes in Mood:

   • Feeling sad, worried, or having mood swings a lot.
   • About 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. face mental health issues each year, and mood disorders are some of the most common.

2. Altered Behavior:

   • Pulling away from friends and social activities.
   • A study from 2019 showed that 70% of people with mental health issues felt more alone before they asked for help.

3. Cognitive Changes:

   • Struggling to focus, make decisions, or remember things.
   • More than half of people dealing with mental health conditions say they have trouble thinking clearly.

4. Physical Symptoms:

   • Changes in sleep (like not being able to sleep or sleeping too much) and eating habits (eating a lot more or a lot less).
   • The National Institute of Mental Health says nearly 80% of people with mood disorders have sleep issues.

5. Substance Use:

   • Leaning on alcohol or drugs to feel better.
   • According to SAMHSA, around 9 million adults have both mental health and substance use problems.

6. Decline in Performance:

   • Noticeable drop in how well someone is doing at work or school.
   • Mental health problems cost the U.S. economy about $193 billion each year because of lost productivity.

If you or someone you care about shows these signs, it’s really important to get help from a mental health expert. Reaching out early can make a big difference and lead to better overall health.