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.