Mental health symptoms: what they are and when to be concerned

The term ‘mental health’ is a way of talking about our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It exists on a spectrum and we can experience periods of good or poor mental health throughout our lives. 

Good mental health doesn’t mean feeling happy all the time. Instead, it’s about being able to manage life’s challenges, work productively, maintain relationships and adapt to change or adversity. Likewise, poor mental health isn’t usually a fixed state. 

Mental health affects how we think, feel and behave in daily life, as well as how we cope with stress and relate to others. It’s shaped by a combination of factors, including biology (such as brain chemistry or genetics), life experiences (like trauma and stress) and social circumstances (including community support and economic stability).

Signs your mental health may be getting worse

Around one in four adults in England experience a mental health problem each year, so it’s not uncommon. Mental health can decline gradually making it difficult to differentiate from having a bad week or experiencing a normal response to stress.

Over time, however, these small shifts can build into patterns that affect daily life. Noticing these signs early can help you take action before things get harder to manage.

Early warning signs may appear subtly at first and are easy to dismiss:

• Emotional signs include feeling irritable more often, losing patience quickly or feeling ’flat’
• Cognitive signs include difficulty concentrating, making decisions or remembering simple things
• Behavioural signs include skipping meals, neglecting self-care or avoiding social contact more than usual
• Physical signs include changes in sleep patterns, frequent headaches or low energy

When mental health continues to decline, the impact often becomes more visible:

• Emotional signs include persistent sadness, hopelessness or overwhelming anxiety
• Cognitive signs include feeling mentally ‘foggy’ all day, struggling to stay organised or losing interest in things you once enjoyed
• Behavioural signs include missing deadlines at work or school, withdrawing from friends and family, or relying on alcohol/drugs to cope
• Physical signs include severe fatigue, significant changes in appetite or weight, or unexplained aches and pains

What causes mental health concerns?

Mental health concerns don’t usually have a single cause. They often develop through a mix of biological, psychological and environmental factors – sometimes called the bio-psycho-social model. Common influences include:

• Biological – genetics or family history, brain chemistry imbalances, long-term physical illness or chronic pain
• Psychological – trauma or abuse, ongoing stress, unresolved grief, low self-esteem or perfectionism
• Environmental – financial stress, job loss, relationship breakdown, social isolation, bullying, discrimination, or instability

Certain factors, like major life transitions, stress, childhood trauma or addiction problems can also make someone more vulnerable.

It’s important to remember you don’t always need a specific reason for struggling. Mental health concerns can affect anyone, and experiencing them is not a sign of weakness.

When and how to get help

Reaching out for support with your mental health can feel daunting, but getting help early can make recovery quicker and reduce disruption to daily life. Consider seeking help if you:

• Notice persistent changes in mood, thoughts or behaviour for more than two weeks
• Struggle to cope with work, school or relationships
• Feel overwhelming anxiety, sadness or loss of interest in activities
• Rely on alcohol, drugs or other harmful coping strategies

Support can come from different sources. Your GP can be a good place to go for initial guidance and signposting.

For fast, expert support, Priory’s private mental health assessment offers a confidential, one-to-one space with a specialist, without long waiting times.

If you need further support, Priory’s provides fast access to private mental health treatment at a network of sites across the UK – delivered by world class teams of specialists.

Supporting a loved one

Your care and presence can make a real difference to someone struggling with their mental health. Signs they may need support include:

• Changes in mood, behaviour or personality
• Withdrawing from social contact or activities
• Shifts in sleep, appetite or energy
• Difficulty coping with work, studies or daily life
• Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped or a burden

If you notice these signs, start a gentle conversation in a private, calm space. Use non-judgemental language (e.g. “I’ve noticed you seem down and I’m worried about you”), listen more than you speak, and be patient if they’re not ready to open up. Encourage them to seek help and remind them there’s no shame in struggling with mental health.

Supporting someone can be emotionally demanding, so look after yourself too – stay connected to your support network, make time for things you enjoy, and reach out for help if you feel overwhelmed.