By Hollie Harris
Dr Barker from Ochre Health Medical Centre Noosa reveals eight early signs of mental health issues
1. Memory loss or a short attention span. Changes in cognitive behaviour can be a tell-tale sign of a mental health condition. If someone you know starts to experience frequent memory loss – such as forgetting appointments – this could be a sign of depression. Likewise, if they begin to have difficulty concentrating at work or school, thinking clearly and making decisions, it may be time for them to make an appointment with their local GP who may refer them to a psychologist.
2. Weight gain or loss. Most people are aware that weight loss and a loss in appetite could be one symptom of a mental health issue – but it’s not well known that overeating and a lack of willingness to exercise could also be an early symptom of depression. In many cases, the weight gain itself is caused by depression, not the other way around.
3. Irritability. Sadness is associated with depression and anxiety, but irritability can also point to a mental health issue. While everyone can be irritable at times, frequent or easily provoked irritability can be a sign of a deeper issue. If you’re noticing a lot of conflict at home especially, it might be time to talk to a mental health professional to see if something else is going on.
4. Fauxcialising (or social withdrawal). If you have a friend that starts to cancel plans with you in favour of staying in (fauxcialising) or they become less willing to participate in social activities, it may indicate that something is up mentally. It’s worth making an extra effort to talk with any of your friends who exhibit this behaviour, as it could be a silent cry for help.
5. Anhedonia. A lack of enjoyment in activities that once gave a person pleasure (anhedonia) is another subtle but common change we see in sufferers. It’s advisable to speak with your doctor if you start noticing these changes, as they can recommend a variety of treatment or lifestyle changes which can make a big difference, like trying yoga or meditation.
6. Conflict in the workplace. Employees who instigate conflict in the workplace can be suffering from an underlying mental health issue. Businesses should work towards providing mental health support to employees, especially with regard to stress.
7. Loss of productivity. The number one cause of reduced productivity at work is mental health, which costs the Australian economy more than $12 billion per year in lost work and has significant impacts on staff morale and organisational performance. There are simple techniques that a local psychologist can explain to you, to help employees cope and boost morale.
8. Insomnia. Difficulty sleeping can also point to wider mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression. It is estimated that 60-90 per cent of patients with depression have insomnia, with the cost of depression and anxiety attributed to sleep disorders thought to be more than $170.8 million.
– Ochre Health Medical Centre Noosa is at 24 Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa Heads. To make a booking, call 5343 1400
