You should be aware of the signs of a potential mental health problem, which may include:

• a loss of interest in doing things previously enjoyed;
• withdrawing from social activities or spending less time with family and friends;
• disturbed sleep, perhaps not getting enough sleep or sleeping too much;
• disturbed eating patterns, eating less than normal or overeating, perhaps losing or gaining weight;
• having mood swings or a consistently lower mood;
• being more irritable, over-sensitive or aggressive;
• having difficulty following a conversation, remembering things or concentrating;
• experiencing recurrent physical symptoms such as aches and pains or unexplained illnesses;
• increased use of alcohol or other drugs;
• a lack of care for personal appearance or personal responsibilities.
• responding inappropriately to certain situations;
• 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.

Some individuals can be at greater risk of experiencing a mental health problem. Reasons can include:

• a personal or family history of mental health problems;
• an unhappy family or home life;
• unstable relationships with friends or families;
• disability or long-term pain;
• feeling isolated from friends, family or the community;
• relationship breakdown, separation and divorce;
• bereavement and loss.

If you think that you or someone you know might be experiencing mental health problems then look out for some of the signs and symptoms and talk to them about it.

There are plenty of people out there that you can talk to, such as a counsellor, your local GP, services in your local community, helplines or online services.