Recognising patterns that could lead to future challenges is essential for maintaining mental wellbeing; this Mental Health Awareness Week (12th to 18th May), we explore key indicators to watch out for with two leading Psychologists.
Just like physical health, mental health can be quick to decline, often without crystal clear or immediate symptoms. The challenges that come with identifying early signs of mental health decline can be daunting and, in many cases, people may not even realise they’re struggling until the symptoms become more severe. Recognising the warning signs of declining mental health in ourselves and others is crucial for early intervention, and addressing these signs in their early stages can lead to prevention or more effective treatment.
The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is ‘community’. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense of purpose.
“Identifying the warning signs of deteriorating mental health requires more than recognising sadness or stress,” says Ieva Kubiliute, emphasising the importance of getting to the root of the problem. “It demands a nuanced understanding of how subtle changes manifest before they escalate into crises. I have seen how early intervention can prevent irreversible consequences, yet most people overlook the signs until they become severe.”
Ieva believes that the most dangerous sign is emotional detachment—the moment you stop caring about things that once mattered to you: “When it comes to yourself, apathy is more insidious than sadness because it numbs self-awareness and makes it much harder to seek help. I also advise that you watch for patterns such as disrupted sleep, a decline in personal standards, or a shift from reflection to self-criticism. A mind in distress creates narratives of worthlessness long before those around you start to notice.
“When observing others, look beyond their words. Many who struggle won’t explicitly express their distress. Instead, they withdraw subtly in ways like missing commitments, avoiding eye contact, or using humour to deflect serious conversations. I also find that sudden generosity, reckless decisions, or uncharacteristic outbursts often signal internal turmoil. The most concerning change I perceive is when someone stops struggling entirely, appearing calm after a period of distress. This could indicate resignation to suicidal thoughts.”
Barbara Santini believes that a lot of the factors for declining mental health are often overlooked: “From my perspective, quite a lot of the discourse on mental health warning signs often misses the crucial relationship between societal pressures and individual vulnerabilities. We tend to isolate symptoms, overlooking the systemic contributors. For instance, the withdrawal often cited is not merely isolation, but a strategic retreat from environments that perpetuate distress, whether it’s toxic workplaces, digitally saturated social spheres, or any other surroundings.”
“I also find that the emphasis on observable changes often ignores the internal silent battles. I’ve found that subtle shifts in cognitive processing, a growing rigidity in thought patterns, and an increased reliance on black-and-white thinking, are far more indicative of a growing decline than explicit behavioural changes. These cognitive shifts, often masked by a mark of normalcy, are the silent precursors to more visible distress.”
Identifying the signs of deteriorating mental health requires a combination of caution, understanding, and most importantly, empathy. It’s important to approach mental health issues with compassion, both for ourselves and others, and to raise open conversations that break down the stigma around seeking help.
