10 signs that your friend needs professional mental health support

Noticing when your loved one might need therapy can be crucial for their mental well-being.

Here are ten signs that could indicate they might benefit from professional help:

1. Persistent Sadness or Depression: If they seem to be sad, down, or hopeless for a prolonged period, and it affects their daily functioning.
2. Withdrawal from Social Activities: They avoid social interactions and isolate themselves from family and friends.
3. Changes in Sleep Patterns: Experiencing significant changes in sleep, such as insomnia, excessive sleeping, or disrupted sleep.
4. Extreme Mood Swings: Noticeable and frequent changes in mood, from high levels of energy to deep depression.
5. Changes in Eating Habits: Sudden weight loss or gain, loss of appetite, or overeating, which can indicate emotional distress.
6. Substance Abuse: Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a coping mechanism.
7. Difficulty Managing Daily Life: Struggling to carry out daily tasks and responsibilities, such as work, school, or household duties.
8. Excessive Anxiety or Worry: Constantly feeling anxious or worried about various aspects of life, often without a clear reason.
9. Irritability or Anger: Frequently feeling angry, irritable, or having difficulty controlling their temper.
10. Physical Symptoms with No Clear Cause: Experiencing physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or other ailments that have no medical explanation.

If you notice any of these signs in a loved one, it might be a good idea to gently encourage them to seek professional support, especially if these signs are limiting their capacity to function from day to day.

Here are some free resources, and paid therapy services to get you started.

Share widely.

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Author: Jennifer Kyalo
First published in Mental Wealth Newsletter