Warning Signs of Mental Health Issues
🔎 General Symptoms
- Persistent sadness, anxiety, or excessive worry
- Emotional numbness or mood swings
- Loss of interest in usual activities or social withdrawal
- Changes in sleep or appetite; fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Physical complaints with no clear cause—headaches, stomach aches
- Thoughts of self‑harm or suicide
📋 Signs by Condition
| Condition | Key Warning Signs |
|---|---|
| Depression | Low mood, guilt, slowed speech/movement, self‑harm thoughts |
| Anxiety / Panic | Excessive worry, restlessness, heart palpitations, avoidance behavior |
| Bipolar | Intense mood shifts: mania (euphoria, risky behavior), depression |
| OCD | Intrusive thoughts (obsessions), repetitive behaviors (compulsions) |
| PTSD | Flashbacks, hypervigilance, avoidance of triggers |
🚨 Other Red Flags
- Poor hygiene or neglect of self-care
- Substance abuse or reckless behavior
- Confusion, hallucinations, or delusional thinking
- Persistent irritability or aggression
- Feeling hopeless, purposeless, or disconnected from reality
“Mental illness rarely happens out of the blue—it builds itself up over time.” — Reddit user describing mood swings, social withdrawal, and sleep changes :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
⚠️ When It's Time to Seek Help
- Symptoms last longer than two weeks
- Interference with daily life, work, or relationships
- Self-harm or suicidal thoughts—even fleeting
- Physical symptoms without medical explanation
Early detection and intervention can prevent deterioration and support recovery :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Source: Compiled in Ichhori style, informed by Ichhori content and validated via Medanta, NAMI, Mayo Clinic, and other trusted health organizations.