Mental health is one of those topics that affects everyone — whether we realise it or not. It’s not just about mental illness or crisis situations. It’s about how we cope with life, how we relate to others, how we handle stress, and even how we make decisions. In many ways, mental health shapes our day-to-day life more than we might expect.
But when does something shift from being a bad day to something more serious? What exactly can be considered a mental health case, and how do we recognise the signs in ourselves or the people around us? More importantly, what should we do when we suspect something’s wrong?
What Is Mental Health, Really?
Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel, and act. It also affects how we handle stress, interact with others, and make choices. Like physical health, mental health exists on a spectrum. Some days, we feel energised and optimistic; other days, we feel drained or disconnected. That’s normal. However, when negative feelings or behaviours become overwhelming, persistent, or start affecting daily life, it may signal a deeper concern.
It’s important to note that mental health doesn’t mean the absence of mental illness. Someone might be diagnosed with a mental health condition like depression or anxiety and still function well with support and treatment. Similarly, someone without a diagnosis can still be struggling silently. Mental health is fluid, and it fluctuates for various reasons — life events, trauma, biology, upbringing, relationships, work stress, or even global events like pandemics or economic downturns.
When Does It Become a Mental Health Case?
Many times, we hear people say things like they are depressed or having a panic attack, and it can be confusing. But does it count as just passing emotion or a sign of a deeper issue?
A mental health case generally refers to a situation where a person’s mental and emotional state interferes with their ability to function normally. This could be in their personal life, relationships, academics, or work. It doesn’t have to be extreme or dramatic to be valid. Even mild symptoms, if they persist over time, deserve attention.
Let’s take depression, for example. Everyone feels sad from time to time. But clinical depression involves consistent low mood, loss of interest in activities, sleep and appetite changes, low energy, and a sense of worthlessness, which usually lasts for weeks or longer. Similarly, anxiety becomes a concern when it’s not just nervousness before a test or big event but a constant sense of fear or worry that disrupts daily life.
Other recognised mental health cases include bipolar disorder, where someone cycles between manic highs and depressive lows; schizophrenia, which involves disordered thinking and perception; obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and various personality or eating disorders.
It’s important to understand that not all cases fit neatly into textbook definitions. Someone can experience emotional distress, trauma, or burnout that doesn’t qualify as a clinical disorder but still needs support and possibly professional help.
What Are the Signs That Something Might Be Wrong?
Recognising that something is wrong, whether in yourself or someone else, isn’t always easy. People don’t always cry for help. Sometimes, they smile through the pain or brush things off as “just stress.”
But mental health struggles often leave clues. These signs can be emotional, behavioural, physical, or social. Some people become unusually withdrawn and stop participating in activities they used to enjoy. Others may seem irritable or easily overwhelmed. You might notice a friend who always used to be punctual and organised is suddenly missing deadlines, skipping work, or sleeping all day. A once lively person might now seem flat, hopeless, or emotionally distant.
Some warning signs to watch for include persistent sadness, excessive worry or fear, changes in sleep or appetite, a decline in personal hygiene, increased use of alcohol or drugs, difficulty concentrating, or expressions of hopelessness like “Nothing matters anymore.”
In more severe cases, a person might talk about wanting to die, express suicidal thoughts, or engage in self-harming behaviours like cutting or reckless driving. These situations require urgent attention.
But not all signs are obvious or loud. A quiet friend suddenly going silent on social media or a coworker repeatedly calling in sick might be silently struggling. That’s why it’s important to check in, even when nothing seems wrong.
What Should You Do If You Suspect a Mental Health Problem?
Knowing what to do can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re afraid of saying the wrong thing. But the truth is, the worst thing you can do is ignore it. If you suspect someone is struggling, or if you feel off and can’t quite explain why, there are some important and compassionate steps you can take.
First, acknowledge the concern. Whether it’s in yourself or someone else, don’t minimise what’s happening. Say it out loud. “I’m not okay” or “You haven’t seemed like yourself lately” are powerful truths that open the door for healing.
If you’re approaching someone else, choose a private and non-judgmental setting. Speak gently and express genuine care. Something like, “I’ve noticed you’ve been really quiet lately, and I’m worried about you — is everything okay?” can make a huge difference.
Listen more than you speak. Avoid clichés like encourage people to just snap out of it i a bid to dismiss how they feel. Mental health is not a competition of suffering, and what someone feels is valid, even if you can’t see the reason behind it.
Encourage seeking professional help. This could be through a GP, a psychologist, a counsellor, or a mental health organisation. Many schools, workplaces, and communities have mental health services that are underutilised. Don’t hesitate to help them research options or even accompany them to appointments if they’re comfortable with it.
If there’s a crisis and someone is actively being suicidal, talking about harming themselves or others — you should act immediately. Call emergency services or take them to the nearest hospital. Never leave someone in crisis alone. Remove access to means of harm if possible and stay with them until help arrives.
Even outside of a crisis, small steps matter. Encourage healthy routines like regular meals, proper sleep, physical activity, and spending time outdoors. Be a steady presence. Consistency and support can help ground someone who feels like everything is falling apart.
Don’t Wait Until It’s a Crisis
It’s worth repeating that mental health isn’t just about emergencies. You don’t need to hit rock bottom before you deserve support. Therapy and counselling aren’t only for people in crisis but also tools for personal growth, clarity, and emotional resilience.
Journaling, mindfulness, connecting with friends, and setting boundaries are all ways to protect your mental well-being. Taking a mental health day or unplugging from digital noise can be incredibly restorative. Just like we brush our teeth and go for check-ups, our minds need care and maintenance too. The more we normalise talking about mental health, the easier it becomes to support each other. Everyone is going through something, whether it’s visible or not. What we need in our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities is a culture of awareness, empathy, and action.