Positive mental health is one of your most important assets. In today’s fast paced life, it can be hard to keep up with those close to you.
Also with work, school, errands, and everything else, it can be harder to check on your loved ones on a regular basis.
As we get older and gain more responsibilities, we can get so caught up in our own lives that we lose awareness of what is important-the people we care about.
At some point, we all have a hard time in some aspect in life, whether it’s emotionally, physically, or mentally. This is the same for those around you.
It can be difficult to know if a friend needs help or if they just want time alone.
In this article, I’m going to help you figure out the signs that a friend may need mental health help and what to do.
1 . They change their daily behaviors.
If you know that your friend or loved one is outgoing or extroverted and they become distant and less responsive to most or all text or calls, they might be struggling. For example, if your friend tends to plan nights out and stop attending, they might be dealing with something serious.
2. They get rid of important or sentimental items.
If your friend or loved one begins throwing away items or trying to sell large bulks of items out of the blue this could be a cry for help.
Oftentimes people who are going through a crisis feel that getting rid of things will help or change them for the better. This can be true for some but not for others. For example, if your loved one starts getting rid of everything they own for no reason this isn’t often them simply decluttering. They could be preparing to leave in some way.
3. They make risky or spontaneous decisions.
If your loved one just randomly out of the blue cuts all their hair off with no prior mentions of wanting to do this before, I would be concerned. If you friends start posting more risky things on social media or oversharing, I would have a talk with them.
In my experience, having these types of conversations can be difficult or uncomfortable but they are needed for growth. And you never know, you could help your friend feel better and even save a person’s life.
These signs do not mean your friend definitely has a mental health issue. They are just signs to be aware of. Reaching out and talking to them wouldn’t hurt either of you. It’s best to be safe rather than sorry.
If you or someone you know is in need of help: Call 988 or chat @ 988lifeline.org
Photo credit: Lionsgate. The cast of For Colored Girls (movie). From left to right: Anika Noni Rose (as Yasmine), Kerry Washington (as Kelly), Janet Jackson (as Jo), Kimberly Elise (as Crystal), Phylicia Rashad (as Gilda), Loretta Devine (as Juanita), Tessa Thompson (as Nyla) and Thandie Newton (as Tangie).
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