Mental Health: Signs, Symptoms, How to Overcome, Where to Seek Help, and How to Support Others

 

Mental Health: Signs, Symptoms, How to Overcome, Where to Seek Help, and How to Support Others

Mental health plays a vital role in how we think, feel, act, and handle daily stress. Just like physical health, mental well-being needs attention, care, and understanding. With growing awareness around mental health, learning the signs, symptoms, and available support can help individuals live healthier and more balanced lives.

This guide explains what mental health is, common warning signs, ways to cope, who to seek help from, how to respect people with mental health conditions, and screening tests used to assess mental health status.

What Is Mental Health?

Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how individuals:

  • Manage stress

  • Relate to others

  • Make decisions

  • Perform at work or school

Good mental health does not mean the absence of problems—it means having the ability to cope with challenges and recover from stress in healthy ways.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Problems

Mental health concerns may show differently from person to person. Symptoms can appear emotionally, mentally, behaviorally, or physically.

Emotional Signs

  • Persistent sadness or low mood

  • Excessive worry or fear

  • Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

  • Irritability or frequent mood changes

Cognitive (Thinking) Symptoms

  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

  • Constant negative thoughts

  • Racing or disorganized thinking

Behavioral Signs

  • Withdrawal from family or social activities

  • Loss of interest in hobbies

  • Changes in sleep or eating habits

  • Increased use of alcohol or other substances

Physical Symptoms

  • Chronic fatigue

  • Headaches or body pain with no clear cause

  • Sudden weight changes

Early recognition of these signs allows for earlier support and better outcomes.

How to Overcome and Manage Mental Health Challenges

Managing mental health often involves a combination of lifestyle habits, emotional support, and professional care.

Healthy Daily Habits

  • Get enough sleep (7–9 hours per night)

  • Eat nutritious, balanced meals

  • Exercise regularly, even light activities like walking

  • Limit caffeine, alcohol, and screen time

Emotional and Mental Wellness Strategies

  • Talk openly with someone you trust

  • Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation

  • Write in a journal to process thoughts and emotions

  • Set realistic goals and expectations

Professional Support

Some mental health conditions require therapy, medication, or both. Seeking professional help is a proactive step toward recovery, not a sign of weakness.

Who to Seek Help From for Mental Health Support

If mental health concerns affect daily life, professional help can make a significant difference.

  • Psychologists – provide counseling and therapy

  • Psychiatrists – medical doctors who can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication

  • Guidance Counselors – offer academic or workplace support

  • Primary Care Physicians – initial screening and referrals

  • Trusted family members or friends – emotional support and encouragement

Accessing help early improves recovery and long-term well-being.

How to Respect and Support People with Mental Health Problems

Respect and understanding reduce stigma and encourage healing.

Ways to Show Respect

  • Listen without judgment

  • Use respectful and non-offensive language

  • Be patient and supportive

  • Encourage professional help when needed

  • Treat mental health conditions the same as physical illnesses

What to Avoid

  • Dismissing feelings

  • Making jokes about mental illness

  • Blaming or shaming

  • Telling someone to “just be strong”

A supportive environment plays a major role in recovery.

Mental Health Tests and Screening Tools

Mental health screening tools help identify possible concerns but do not replace professional diagnosis.

Commonly used assessments include:

  • PHQ-9 – screening for depression

  • GAD-7 – screening for anxiety

  • DASS-21 – measures depression, anxiety, and stress

  • Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) – evaluates stress levels

  • Burnout Inventories – assess work or academic burnout

For accurate diagnosis and treatment, consult a licensed mental health professional.

When to Seek Immediate Help

Immediate assistance is necessary if someone:

  • Expresses thoughts of self-harm

  • Experiences severe emotional distress

  • Is unable to function in daily life

In these cases, contact emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline immediately.

Final Thoughts

Mental health is an essential part of overall well-being. Understanding the signs, seeking help early, and supporting others with compassion can improve quality of life and strengthen communities. Promoting mental health awareness helps create a safer, healthier, and more inclusive society.

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Here are useful websites, apps, and online resources with links you can visit or download to learn more about mental health, get support, find professionals, and access tools for well-being (global and Philippines-focused):

🌐 Educational Websites & Resource Hubs

📍 Websites With Guides, Support & Directories

🔗 #MentalHealthPH – Mental health awareness, directory of services, expert articles, campaign info
➡ https://www.mentalhealthph.org/

🔗 Lusog-Isip Online (DepEd Self-Help Directory) – Directory of mental health providers & crisis hotlines in the Philippines
➡ https://lusog-isip.deped.gov.ph/self-help-directory/

🔗 MindLink.ph – Online peer support, psychoeducation, classes, articles (not a clinical hospital; community platform)
➡ https://mindlink.ph/

🔗 Mental Health AWHEREness PH – Mapping of mental health facilities and info to encourage help-seeking
➡ https://www.mhawhereness.org/

🔗 Silakbo PH – Mental Health Resources – Directory of services (clinics, support groups, hotlines) in the Philippines
➡ https://www.silakbo.ph/help/


🌐 Philippines‑Focused

  • Mind You – Mental health tools + online psychology consultations
    👉 https://www.mindyou.com.ph/public/

  • MindNation – Teletherapy sessions, daily mood tracker & quizzes
    👉 Search MindNation on Google Play / App Store (info from press@Philstar)

📱 Apps for Support, Well-Being & Professional Help

🇵🇭 Philippines-Focused Apps

📱 Lusog-Isip (Mental Health & Self-Care Philippines) – Official DepEd self-help app (culturally adapted for Filipinos)
➡ Visit directory (above) to find the app or scan its QR in the page.

📱 Wisupport (DSWD Mental Health Support App) – Self-care tips + links to mental health facilities
➡ Download on Google Play Store (Android) – search WiSUPPORT

📱 Mind You – Mental health services app in the Philippines with mood tracking, journaling, guides, and access to online psychologists
➡ https://www.mindyou.com.ph/public/

📱 NowServing (by SeriousMD)- is a healthcare app designed to help patients in the Philippines connect with doctors and healthcare providers online and in‑person.

➡Google Play (Android): Search NowServing by SeriousMD
➡Apple App Store (iOS): https://apps.apple.com/in/app/nowserving-by-seriousmd/id1490833154

🌍 Global Mental Health Apps

📱 MindDoc – Mental Health Support & Mood Tracker – Tools for mood tracking, CBT exercises, personalized insights (iOS/Android)
➡ Search MindDoc on App Store / Google Play

📱 Smiling Mind – Free mindfulness & stress relief app for all ages (both iOS/Android) — curated by mental health professionals.

📱 Headspace – Guided meditation and sleep tools (iOS/Android)
📱 Calm – Sleep stories and mindfulness (iOS/Android)
📱 Moodfit / MindShift – Tools for tracking and coping with stress and anxiety (iOS/Android)

(Search these names in the App Store or Google Play to download.)

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📌 Tips When Using Health & Mental Health Apps

✔ Verify the developer: trusted apps list clear contact info and privacy policies.
✔ Read terms & privacy before sharing personal data.
✔ Apps that connect to licensed professionals (like NowServing, MindNation) are generally safer for clinical needs.
✔ Self‑help tools are helpful but not substitutes for professional diagnosis.

🧑‍⚕️ Online Professional Help & Teletherapy Services

These aren’t free resources but offer consultations with licensed mental health professionals:

🔗 In Touch Community Services – Mental health counseling, crisis support, workshops, phone/online booking
➡ https://in-touch.org/

🔗 Mindcare Club – Telemental health with online appointments with psychiatrists and psychologists
➡ https://mindcareclub.org/

🔗 Empath – Online counseling and psychiatric sessions in the Philippines
➡ https://www.empath.ph/

🎥 Video & Audio Learning

📹 YouTube Search Ideas

Try searching on YouTube for titles like:

  • “What is anxiety explained by a psychologist”

  • “Depression vs stress difference”

  • “CBT coping skills tutorial”

Many verified channels by therapists explain mental health topics clearly.

🎧 Podcasts (Search Platforms Like Spotify, Apple Podcasts)

Search for:

  • “Mental health education”

  • “Therapy explained for beginners”

  • “How to cope with stress and anxiety”

Audio podcasts are great for learning while you walk, rest, or commute.

📍 Immediate Help & Crisis Lines (Philippines)

📞 National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) 24/7 Crisis Hotline

  • 1553 (Luzon landline toll-free) / 0917-899-8727 or 0966-351-4518 (mobile)

📞 Hopeline PH – 2919 (Globe/TM) or (02) 804-4673

These lines are free and confidential for immediate emotional support.

📝 Tips for Using These Resources

✔ When downloading apps, use official app stores (Google Play / Apple App Store).
✔ Websites are useful for directories, articles, and guides.
✔ Apps like Mind You and MindDoc help with everyday tracking and self-care.
✔ For deeper or recurring concerns, book a professional consultation through services like In Touch, Mindcare Club, or Empath.
✔ Always check privacy policies and choose platforms you trust.


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