Mental Health Matters: Recognizing the Signs of Distress and Finding Your Path to Support

In today's world, mental health is a vital topic. Though physical health tends to be the focus, mental health is no less crucial. Mental distress, though, can be harder to recognize in ourselves and others at times. Knowing the signs of mental distress and how and when to seek help can significantly improve the quality of life. In this blog, we will talk about common indicators of mental distress, when to intervene, and how to access the help you or someone else may need.

What is Mental Distress?

Mental distress is a phrase applied to a cluster of emotional, psychological, and behavioral symptoms that indicate that one is not healthy mentally. Mental distress may manifest in numerous different forms, from feeling slightly anxious or sadand to extreme states of depression, anxiety disorders, or burnout. Mental distress is not a sign of weakness, it's a signal that something isn't in balance and needs attention.

Common Indications of Mental Distress

Identification of the signs of mental distress is the first and foremost step to getting help. Signs vary for each person, but there are a few things to watch out for in general

Emotional Sign

• Feeling sad, hopeless, or empty for a long time.

• Getting angry or irritated over small things.

• Feeling guilty or worthless, like nothing they do is good enough.

Behavioral Signs   

• Avoiding friends, family, or activities they used to enjoy.

• Sleeping too much or too little.

• Eating a lot more or a lot less than usual.

• Using alcohol, drugs, or other substances to cope.

Physical Sign

• Feeling tired all the time, even after resting.

• Having headaches, stomachaches, or other pains without a clear cause.

• Finding it hard to focus or make decisions.

Thoughts of Self-Harm or Suicide

• If someone talks about feeling hopeless, wanting to die, or harming themselves, it’s a serious sign that they need help right away.

When Should you seek help 

It's okay to feel a little stressed or blue at times, but if you're feeling this way for longer than two weeks and it's beginning to affect your daily life, it's time to seek help. Below are some indicators that you should take action:

• You can't concentrate at work or school.

• You're trying to avoid people and activities that you once loved.

• You're using alcohol, drugs, or other unhealthy coping mechanisms.

• You’re having thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Remember, asking for help is a brave and important step. You’re not alone, and there are people who can support you.

How to Get Help

If you or someone you know is having trouble, here's what you can do:

Talk to Someone You Trust

• Tell a friend, family member, or co-worker how you feel. Sometimes, talking about it really can make a big difference

Reach Out to a Professional

• A counselor, therapist, or psychologist can help you sort out your feelings and learn how to handle them.

  
  

Call a Helpline         

Many organizations provide free, confidential help. For instance:

• Intellicare by Mysafeschools, which provides mental health support online  -

• In the US, call 988

• In India, dial the KIRAN Helpline at 1800-599-0019 or the Vandrevala Foundation at +91-9999666555.

• These helplines are open 24/7 and are ready to listen and assist.

Take Care of Yourself

• Do things that make you happy, such as exercising, meditating, or walking in nature.

• Eat well, sleep well, and try not to use unhealthy coping strategies such as alcohol or drugs.

Learn More About Mental Health

• The more you learn, the better you will understand what you're experiencing. Sites like The Live Love Laugh Foundation (www.thelivelovelaughfoundation.org) or iCall (www.tiss.edu) have excellent resources.

How to Help someone else 

If you believe the person you know is in struggling, here's what you can do to help:

• Listen Without Judgment: Allow them to explain their feelings without criticizing or interrupting.

• Encourage Them to Get Help: Invite them to see a counselor or call a helpline.

• Be Patient: Healing is slow, so stick with them without being too insistent.

• Take Care of Yourself, Too: It can be hard to care for someone else, so don't forget to take care of your own mental health, too.

Breaking the Stigma around Mental Health 

In most places, particularly in India, there's lots of shame and ignorance about mental health. They may say you're "all in your head" or need to "snap out of it." But mental suffering is real, and it's appropriate to ask for assistance. By speaking freely about mental health, we can break the stigma and make it simpler for others to come forward for help.

Mental distress is an indication that something is not normal, and it should be taken seriously. If you're experiencing it yourself or seeing it in another person, understand that there is help. Asking for help takes courage and is an excellent sign of strength. Let's make mental health the top of everyone's agenda and build a society where everyone feels comfortable asking for help.

If you or someone close to you is struggling, don't wait to act today. You are not alone, and there's hope for a better tomorrow.