The biggest signs that someone might be dealing with a mental health challenge
We’ve all seen the dramatic portrayals of mental health struggles in movies – someone sobbing uncontrollably, having angry outbursts, or staring vacantly out rainy windows.
But in real life? The biggest red flag that someone’s mental health is crumbling isn’t nearly as cinematic. It’s actually something so basic that it often gets completely overlooked.
The most significant sign that someone might be dealing with a mental health challenge is their inability to complete everyday tasks that they used to handle without a problem.
When brushing your teeth becomes a mountain to climb
Mental health problems often show up first in these seemingly mundane activities:
- Basic self-care like showering, brushing teeth, or changing clothes becomes overwhelming
- Household management tasks like doing laundry, washing dishes, or taking out trash pile up
- Work or school responsibilities start slipping despite previously being reliable
- Social commitments get repeatedly canceled or forgotten
This isn’t about laziness or being messy. It’s about a brain that’s struggling so hard with internal battles that even small tasks require enormous mental energy.
Someone who previously had no problem juggling work, social life, and household responsibilities might suddenly find making a simple phone call feels impossible. That’s not a character flaw – it’s a warning light on their mental dashboard.
The other warning signs hiding in plain sight
While the inability to handle daily tasks is the biggest red flag, here are some other common indicators that someone is facing mental health challenges:
Sleep becomes a stranger 😴
Sleep disruptions are often early warnings:
- Lying awake for hours despite exhaustion
- Sleeping 12+ hours yet still feeling tired
- Frequently waking throughout the night
- Complete reversal of day/night patterns
These aren’t just “bad sleep habits” – they’re often symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.
Emotional rollercoasters get more extreme
We all have mood fluctuations, but significant emotional changes deserve attention:
- Feeling hopeless or empty for days on end
- Irritability that sparks over minor issues
- Overwhelming anxiety about everyday situations
- Emotional numbness or disconnection
These emotional shifts often happen before someone recognizes they’re struggling with mental health.
The disappearing act becomes frequent
When someone who used to be social starts withdrawing from relationships, it’s rarely because they suddenly became introverted:
- Missing gatherings they previously enjoyed
- Declining invitations or ghosting friends
- Responding to messages days later or not at all
- Making excuses to avoid face-to-face interaction
This isolation often happens because social interaction requires emotional energy they simply don’t have anymore.
Food becomes complicated
Appetite and weight changes frequently accompany mental health challenges:
- Forgetting to eat meals entirely
- Using food for emotional comfort
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Developing rigid food rules or restrictions
These changes aren’t just about food – they’re about how mental health affects our most basic self-care behaviors.
Thinking becomes foggy
Cognitive functions often take a hit when mental health suffers:
- Difficulty making simple decisions
- Trouble concentrating on tasks or conversations
- Memory lapses for important information
- Racing or scattered thoughts
That “brain fog” isn’t imaginary – it’s a real cognitive impact of conditions like depression and anxiety.
Physical symptoms with no medical explanation
Mental health often speaks through the body:
- Persistent headaches or stomach issues
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Constant fatigue despite adequate rest
- Chest tightness or difficulty breathing
These physical symptoms can be just as real and debilitating as any “physical” illness.
Self-medication becomes a pattern
Increased substance use often accompanies mental health struggles:
- Drinking alone more frequently
- Using substances to “feel normal”
- Needing larger amounts to get the same effect
- Hiding or lying about consumption
While it might temporarily mask symptoms, substance use typically makes mental health worse over time.
The darkest warning sign
Though not always present, thoughts of self-harm or suicide represent the most serious indicator:
- Talking about feeling trapped or hopeless
- Making statements about being a burden
- Researching methods of self-harm
- Giving away possessions or “putting affairs in order”
These thoughts require immediate professional intervention – they’re the mental health equivalent of chest pain during a heart attack.
Why we miss these signs (in ourselves and others)
These warning signs often go unnoticed for several reasons:
- They develop gradually – Mental health changes typically happen over weeks or months, not overnight
- People hide their struggles – Many mask their difficulties out of shame or fear of judgment
- We normalize suffering – Phrases like “that’s just life” or “everyone’s stressed” minimize real problems
- Physical symptoms get misattributed – Doctors may focus on physical complaints without exploring mental health
Plus, the person experiencing these symptoms often lacks the perspective to recognize them as abnormal or concerning.
What to do if you spot these signs
If you recognize these warning signs in yourself or someone else, here are the next steps:
- Don’t wait for crisis – Mental health challenges rarely resolve themselves without intervention
- Speak up with compassion – Approach the topic with genuine concern rather than judgment
- Connect with professionals – Primary care doctors can provide referrals to mental health specialists
- Remove barriers to care – Offer practical help like researching providers or providing transportation
- Stay connected – Consistent social support is crucial during mental health struggles
Remember that mental health challenges are health problems, not character flaws or weaknesses. They require and deserve the same attention and care as any other medical condition.
The bottom line: Pay attention to the basics
When mental health deteriorates, it often shows up first in our ability to handle everyday life. While dramatic mood changes might be more noticeable, it’s the quiet pile-up of unwashed dishes, unmade beds, and unfinished tasks that often signals someone is truly struggling.
By recognizing these signs early, we can help ourselves and others get support before a manageable challenge becomes a full-blown crisis.