World Mental Health Day is celebrated annually on 10 October since 1992. In Polish society, however, mental health issues are still frequently downplayed. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), good mental health is fundamental to overall health.

Unfortunately, many of us tend to neglect our mental well-being, often seeking help only when we feel completely overwhelmed. Much like physical health, untreated symptoms can lead to a deterioration in our mental state. Many of these signs may not initially be associated with mental health struggles. What are some of the easily overlooked symptoms of mental health problems?

Adequate sleep, both in terms of quantity and quality, is crucial for our physical and mental well-being. Poor sleep patterns can often signal underlying issues such as depression or anxiety, whether it's difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Waking up early and being unable to return to sleep may also be a sign that consulting a specialist is advisable. Conversely, frequent oversleeping could be a symptom of burnout, which, if left unaddressed, can lead to depression.

If you are constantly irritable or easily thrown off balance by trivial matters, it may be time to assess your mental well-being. This is especially true for men, who often face societal pressure to suppress feelings of sadness or vulnerability. In some cases, this "explosiveness" can be a mask for underlying depression or anxiety. Both conditions can make it challenging to manage thoughts and emotions effectively.

A persistent lack of energy and motivation is often dismissed as a "character flaw," both by ourselves and those around us. However, difficulties in "getting things done" can be symptoms of underlying conditions such as depression or ADHD. If a sense of exhaustion and an inability to engage with daily life lingers, it may be worth seeking an assessment for depression. On the other hand, chronic procrastination, waiting until the last moment, and rushing to meet deadlines may indicate ADHD.

Perfectionism is often appreciated in the workplace, but when taken to extremes, it can become problematic. Excessive perfectionism is commonly experienced by individuals with anxiety disorders and eating disorders. If your personal standards—or the standards you set for yourself—are so high that you never feel satisfied or content, it may be a sign that you need support.

Psychotherapists and psychiatrists often report that many of their male and female patients are initially referred to them by other doctors. Physical symptoms without a clear medical explanation can frequently have psychological roots. Despite common misconceptions, the body and mind are deeply interconnected, not separate entities. Common psychosomatic symptoms—physical issues with psychological origins—include headaches, abdominal pain, dizziness, and excessive sweating.

It’s important to remember that many of these symptoms can also be perfectly normal responses to life’s events. There is nothing concerning about feeling temporarily disheartened when something goes wrong or becoming angry when treated unfairly. Similarly, it’s natural to feel exhausted after a tough day at university or following a demanding project at work.

However, it’s worth seeking help when difficult emotions arise without a clear cause or linger for an extended period. Healthy emotional functioning involves emotions that ‘flow’—they come and go in response to the circumstances we face.

Source: medstarhealth.org, nami.org