Mental Health Early Warning Signs

Public Health Agency

There are some early warning signs that may indicate mental ill-health or a mental health problem:

  • mood swings or a consistently lower mood
  • lack of care for personal appearance or personal responsibilities
  • increased use of alcohol or other drugs
  • talking about not wanting to live
  • loss of interest in doing things you previously enjoyed
  • withdrawing from social activities or spending less time with family and friends
  • disturbed sleep, not getting enough sleep or sleeping too much
  • eating less than normal or overeating, perhaps losing or gaining weight
  • being more irritable, over-sensitive or aggressive
  • having difficulty following a conversation, remembering things or concentrating
  • experiencing recurring physical symptoms such as aches and pains or unexplained illnesses
  • a drop in work performance
  • doing things that don’t make sense to others
  • hearing or seeing things that no one else can hear or see.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these, help is available.

Useful resources

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Helplines & Web Chats

Samaritans
Action Mental Health
Association for Post-Natal Illness Helpline
Aware NI - Support Groups
Aware NI - Online Support Groups
Mind - Side by Side Online Community