Signs and Symptoms of Common Mental Health Conditions: When to Seek Help

Introduction: Mental Health – It’s More Common Than You Think

In Australia, we’re pretty good at pushing through tough situations. We roll up our sleeves and get things done. But when it comes to mental health, it’s not always that simple. Mental health conditions are often invisible, and their symptoms are easy to overlook.

The truth is, many people live with mental health challenges without even realising it. Whether it’s a bit of anxiety, feeling low, or struggling with extreme mood swings, these conditions can be tricky to spot, especially if you’re going through them yourself.

In this blog, we’ll shine a light on the signs and symptoms of some of the most common mental health conditions in Australia, and when it’s time to seek professional help. If you recognise yourself or someone you know in these signs, it could be a good idea to talk to a professional. There’s no shame in it—mental health is just as important as physical health.

1. Anxiety Disorders: Not Just Jitters

We all get anxious from time to time—whether it’s before an important meeting or the night before a big event. But for some people, anxiety isn’t just a short-term feeling. It can be a persistent and overwhelming condition that affects daily life.

What It Looks Like:

• Excessive Worrying: Constantly worrying about everything, even things that are unlikely to happen.
• Physical Symptoms: A racing heart, tight chest, sweaty palms, or feeling light-headed.
• Restlessness: Constantly feeling on edge, unable to relax.
• Avoidance: Steering clear of places or situations that trigger anxiety.

Why It’s Not Just the ‘Jitters’:

• Anxiety disorders, like Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), panic disorder, or social anxiety disorder, aren’t just about getting nervous before a big presentation.
• They can interfere with your ability to work, socialise, or even complete everyday tasks.

When to Seek Help:

• If your anxiety feels out of control or is interfering with your day-to-day activities, it’s time to see a professional.
• Treatment, like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), can help manage anxiety and reduce its impact on your life.

Fun Fact: One in four Australians will experience anxiety at some stage in their lives (Beyond Blue).

2. Depression: More Than Just Feeling Sad

We all feel down sometimes, but depression is much more than just feeling sad or having a bad day. It’s a persistent feeling of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness that can last for weeks, months, or even years.

What It Looks Like:

• Loss of Interest: Losing interest in things you once enjoyed, like hobbies or socialising.
• Fatigue: Feeling constantly tired, even after a good night’s sleep.
• Changes in Appetite or Sleep: Eating too much or too little, or sleeping too much or not enough.
• Negative Thoughts: Feeling worthless, guilty, or like you’re a burden to others.

Why It’s More Than Just a Rough Patch:

• Depression can make it difficult to get through the day, and it often causes physical symptoms, too.
• Untreated, depression can lead to serious consequences, such as self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

When to Seek Help:

• If your feelings of sadness don’t go away after a couple of weeks or start to affect your ability to function, it’s time to seek help.
• A psychologist or counsellor can help you understand your depression and develop strategies to cope with it. Medication may also be an option if recommended by a doctor.

Fun Fact: Depression affects approximately 1 in 8 Australians (SANE Australia).

3. Bipolar Disorder: Extreme Mood Swings

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). It’s more than just occasional mood swings—it’s a long-term condition that affects a person’s behaviour, energy levels, and ability to function.

What It Looks Like:

• Manic Episodes: Feeling unusually high, energetic, or overly confident. You might talk quickly, have racing thoughts, or make impulsive decisions.
• Depressive Episodes: On the flip side, experiencing deep sadness, lack of energy, and disinterest in daily activities.
• Irritability: Feeling easily irritated or agitated, especially during mood shifts.

Why It’s Not Just ‘Highs and Lows’:

• Bipolar disorder is more intense than normal mood swings and can affect your ability to maintain relationships or hold down a job.
• The shifts in mood can last for days, weeks, or even months, making it difficult to manage daily life.

When to Seek Help:

• If your mood swings are severe, frequent, or interfere with your work or relationships, seek help immediately.
• Medication and therapy can help manage the mood swings and help you maintain stability.
• Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but with the right treatment, people can live productive and fulfilling lives.

Fun Fact: Around 1 in 50 Australians live with bipolar disorder (Beyond Blue).

4. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Repetitive Thoughts and Actions

OCD is a mental health disorder characterised by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions). While many people have habits or rituals, for those with OCD, these behaviours can be time-consuming and interfere with everyday life.

What It Looks Like:

• Obsessions: Repeated, unwanted thoughts that cause anxiety or distress. For example, worrying that the door isn’t locked or that you’ve left something on.
• Compulsions: Repetitive actions or rituals performed to relieve anxiety, such as checking, washing, or counting.
• Avoidance: Avoiding certain situations or objects that may trigger obsessive thoughts.

Why It’s More Than Just ‘Being Neat’:

• OCD can take up hours of a person’s day and cause significant distress.
• It can lead to physical exhaustion, relationship strain, and difficulty completing daily tasks.

When to Seek Help:

• If your obsessions or compulsions are interfering with your daily life, it’s time to seek help.
• Treatment for OCD often includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which help people manage their compulsions.
• In some cases, medication may also be prescribed to help control symptoms.

Fun Fact: Around 2% of Australians experience OCD at some point in their lives (OCD and Anxiety Disorders Foundation of Australia).

Conclusion: When to Seek Help – You’re Not Alone

Mental health conditions are common, but they often go unnoticed or untreated. If you’re struggling with any of the symptoms we’ve mentioned, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Remember, it’s okay to not be okay. Seeking help is the first step towards feeling better.

Mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and counsellors, are trained to help you understand your condition and develop strategies to manage it. If you’re unsure where to start, consider speaking to your GP, who can refer you to the right professional.

The good news is that with the right treatment and support, people with mental health conditions can lead fulfilling and healthy lives. So, if you recognise any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, take action—your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

FAQs

• How do I know if I need to see a psychologist?
  If you’re experiencing any of the signs or symptoms mentioned in this blog, or if your feelings are interfering with your daily life, it’s worth seeking help.
• Can mental health conditions be treated?
  Yes! With the right treatment, such as therapy, medication, or a combination of both, many people find relief from their symptoms and go on to live healthy, productive lives.
• What should I expect during my first therapy session?
  Your therapist will ask you about your symptoms and concerns, and together, you’ll develop a treatment plan that works for you. Therapy may involve talking through your issues, learning coping strategies, and understanding the root cause of your condition.
• Is there a cure for mental health conditions?
  While some conditions may not have a “cure,” many people learn to manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives with the right treatment and support.
• How do I find the right mental health professional?
  Start by talking to your GP, who can provide referrals to psychologists, psychiatrists, or counsellors that specialise in the type of mental health support you need.