A 2019 American Psychology Association survey revealed that 87% of Americans believe there’s no shame in having a mental health disorder. While we offer empathy and support to those who are struggling, many of us fail to recognize the signs that a loved one may need professional help managing their mental health.
This guide aims to provide insight into the signs someone needs therapy, not as a diagnosis but as an informational resource to help you understand when it may be time to encourage your loved one to find a therapist.
Behavioral warning signs
Behavioral changes are often the earliest indicators that a friend or family member needs therapy. These changes can appear in various forms, often revealing underlying emotional and psychological distress.
Sudden mood swings
Sudden mood swings, characterized by rapid shifts from happiness to sadness or anger without an apparent cause, may signal conditions like bipolar disorder or other mood disorders. These mood changes often disrupt daily life and strain relationships.
Heightened irritability or anger over trivial matters may also indicate stress, anxiety, or depression. Frequent arguments and isolation can further worsen these issues, creating a cycle of emotional and interpersonal turmoil.
Withdrawal from social activities
Withdrawal from social activities, loss of interest in seeing friends, and repeatedly canceling plans often signal emotional distress. This behavior can be worsened by loneliness, depression, and deeper emotions, like shame. Therapy helps individuals reconnect with family members and regain interest in hobbies, restoring quality of life and happiness.
Change in professional and academic performance
Mental health issues can impact professional and academic performance, leading to a decline in effort, frequent absenteeism, and reduced productivity. Individuals may lose interest in goals, lack motivation, and struggle with finishing tasks.
Changes in sleep patterns
Changes in sleep patterns, like insomnia or hypersomnia, often signal mental health conditions. Sleep difficulties or excessive sleep can be linked to anxiety, depression, or other disorders. Therapy can improve sleep habits and overall health. Frequent nightmares, tied to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or severe anxiety, can also disrupt sleep and lead to both physical and psychological fatigue.
Altered eating habits
Altered eating habits, including significant weight changes and disordered eating behaviors, often reflect stress or other mental health concerns. Drastic weight gain and weight loss in young adults, adolescents, and children are especially damaging to their physical health and self-esteem.
Changes in personal appearance
Changes in personal appearance, like neglecting hygiene or making drastic alterations, are red flags for mental health issues. Providing support and encouraging professional help are crucial steps in their recoveries.
Emotional indicators of mental health issues
Emotional indicators are often more subtle than behavioral changes. These common signs can give insight into how a person is coping internally and may reveal hidden struggles that need addressing.
Persistent feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
Persistent feelings of hopelessness are a clear sign someone needs mental health intervention. These overwhelming emotions can obscure any sense of positivity or potential for improvement.
Expressions of worthlessness, such as feeling useless, unloved, or a burden, indicate deep self-esteem issues and can lead to harmful behaviors and isolation. Statements about being better off gone or other suicidal comments require immediate attention such as an assessment by a qualified health care professional to determine the level (if any) of imminent risk of harm to themselves.
Increased anxiety or worry
Increased anxiety or worry is a common emotional indicator that someone might need mental health care. Anxiety symptoms, such as constant fear, nervousness, and physical manifestations like sweating, trembling, or a racing heart, can significantly impact daily functioning and strain relationships and work performance. Mental health interventions can help identify the issues contributing to anxiety and teach effective coping strategies.
Difficulty managing emotions
Difficulty managing emotions and persistent emotional outbursts are key mental health red flags. Frequent, uncontrollable crying, sudden fits of anger, and intense reactions to everyday situations often indicate deep emotional distress. Mental health care professionals can offer strategies to manage and express these emotions constructively, enhancing emotional well-being.
Cognitive signs someone needs therapy
Aside from behavioral and emotional changes, cognitive symptoms can also indicate the need for mental health care. Although these signs may be more subtle, they can lead to impulsive and harmful behaviors if not addressed.
Concentration problems
Cognitive symptoms often manifest as problems with concentration. Persistent difficulty in focusing can indicate underlying mental health issues, affecting academic or work performance and lowering self-esteem. Forgetfulness and confusion may also occur, making it hard for the individual to remember important details or causing disorientation. While these symptoms are more common in the elderly, they can also affect younger individuals under high stress.
Early recognition of these symptoms is vital for mental well-being. Mental health interventions like mindfulness and Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can enhance focus, improve memory, and bolster emotional health. Even minor forgetfulness, like misplacing keys, can signal cognitive changes needing professional attention.
Decision-making issues
Another significant cognitive sign is difficulty with decision-making. Indecisiveness can be troubling, as it hampers the ability to make even simple choices, leading to delays and increased stress. Feeling overwhelmed by simple choices can be signs of depression or anxiety, clouding judgment and exacerbating helplessness.
Physical symptoms
While mental health primarily affects our psychological well-being, physical symptoms can also start to surface.
Unexplained aches, pains, and illnesses
Physical symptoms often signal various mental health issues. Unexplained aches, chronic headaches, stomach-related medical conditions, and muscle tension commonly indicate emotional distress. These physical health conditions can impair daily functioning and quality of life.
Because mental stress weakens the immune system, it highly increases illness susceptibility. As a result, it is crucial to address these symptoms with mental health intervention before other complications occur.
Risky and self-destructive behaviors
When people try to cope with mental health issues on their own, they sometimes turn to unhealthy habits to numb their pain or avoid confronting their struggles.
Substance abuse
Compulsive or regular substance use, including increased alcohol or drug use, is a common way to suppress emotional pain. Unfortunately, it often quickly leads to addiction and substance use disorder. Misusing prescription medications to manage symptoms or escape distress can also lead to dependency and worsen mental health problems. Professional help is essential to address both the misuse and the causes of these behaviors so that individuals can find healthier ways to cope.
Reckless actions
Reckless actions, such as risky driving and unsafe sexual practices, often reflect unresolved emotional turmoil. These behaviors can lead to serious consequences, including physical harm and legal issues.
Other reckless actions include self-harm, such as cutting or burning oneself, and engaging in dangerous activities without regard for personal safety. Immediate psychological support is essential to prevent further harm and guide individuals toward healthier emotional expression.
Deciding whether your loved one needs help
It can be a challenging decision to decide whether your family member or friend needs help from a therapist. Here are some ways to identify if they may benefit from professional mental health support:
- They have been experiencing symptoms of a mental health issue for an extended period, such as persistent changes in mood or behavior.
- Their symptoms are interfering with daily life, such as affecting their relationships, work performance, or personal hygiene.
- They are engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviors to cope with their struggles.
- They have expressed feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or suicidal thoughts.
- They are in pain and can’t seem to find relief or comfort.
After identifying mental health issues that require intervention, it is a good idea to have an honest and open conversation about seeking professional mental health services. Remind them that asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness, and getting another perspective from a therapist can provide much-needed guidance and support.
How to open up about mental health
Now that you’re more aware of potential mental health warning signs, you might be wondering how to approach the topic with someone who is going through a difficult time. Stacy Thiry, a licensed mental health clinician with Grow Therapy, shares 10 tips on how to approach a loved one about seeking therapy:
- Choose a good time and place that offers privacy and comfort, ensuring enough time for an uninterrupted, thorough conversation.
- Enter the conversation with clear intentions and boundaries, and stick to them, even if it gets difficult.
- Use “I” statements to avoid making the person feel attacked (e.g., “I feel concerned because…”). Show empathy, use active listening (reflect back to what you hear, avoid interrupting), and ask questions to better understand.
- Share specific examples or observations of behavior. Use open-ended questions to encourage open communication and reassure your loved one that they are not alone and that you are there to support them.
- Normalize seeking professional support and sharing any positive experiences you’ve had. Discuss options like support groups, medical checkups, social plans, therapists, or online counseling. Let them know you are there for them and encourage them to take action.
- Acknowledge and validate their fears and feelings. Focus on being patient and committed to finding a path forward.
- Allow for frustration or resistance without taking it personally. If they are resistant to help, set boundaries for your own mental health and disengage if the conversation feels unhelpful. Make it clear you support them but will not enable harmful behaviors.
- Model healthy behavior and prioritize your own wellness through balance and self-care.
- Establish follow-up for accountability, support, and continued communication. Validate any progress and celebrate victories, no matter how small, to reinforce the feeling of being in this together.
- Stay open and available for support as long as it is healthy and within your boundaries. Use words of encouragement often.
Grow Therapy is here to help
At Grow Therapy, we aim to support you and your loved ones in navigating your life’s challenges. Our online platform gives you access to a diverse group of licensed mental health professionals, beyond just your local area, so that you can find the right therapist for your specific needs.
If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help. We’re here to guide you towards a happier, healthier life.
