We all have those moments when we're not feeling our best. Maybe we fought with a loved one or didn't get enough sleep. Whatever the reason, sometimes it's hard to hide that we're not okay. And sometimes, people around us can see it too. This blog post will discuss some signs that somebody is not okay. If you see these signs in someone you know, don't hesitate to offer help.

The warning signs that somebody may be struggling

You have most likely experienced a friend or someone telling you they are okay when you ask them how they are feeling. However, your gut tells you that may not be the case, as you notice changes or signs that your friend or someone is not okay. It can be especially noticeable for people who are outgoing and generally optimistic, as they may suddenly act the opposite of how they usually are. For example, they may suddenly become aloof, quiet, or speak differently. When you notice changes in somebody you know, it can signify that they are undergoing something stressful or challenging. We can do something to help them by becoming more aware of the signs that somebody is not okay and reaching out to them. We can be more mindful and concerned about others when we see the following behaviors and actions from them.

1. Not wanting to talk about their lives or condition

One of the first signs that someone is not okay is when they tell you they are fine or okay, even when they are not when you ask them how they are doing. It can be challenging to determine at first, but to know if they are honest when they say they are okay, try asking about their condition further. For example, suppose you notice them trying to move away from talking about themselves by talking about something else, answering with generic responses, speaking in a monotone, or having a subtle expression of sadness while saying they are fine. In that case, it's a red flag that they are not okay. Next, you may try confirming with them that they are not okay and see if they will come out honestly about their condition. If they do, you may want to offer help or have a mental health expert intervene if the case gets too severe. Some may reject your help or be angry if you try to pry too much, so finding the right time to help is essential. They may open up later if you give them some breathing room, such as if you can talk to them privately or when they feel calmer.

2. Becoming irritable or feeling sad more often or suddenly

Outbursts of emotions are another warning sign that somebody is not okay, especially if the person concerned doesn't get angry or sad often. Minor things may trigger a person not feeling okay, and you may be shocked if they suddenly lash at you when you say something you don't know will hurt them. Their anger acts like a defense mechanism by displacing their feelings on someone that may not play a part in their problems, and we have to understand that we may not necessarily be at fault. It's normal to have mood swings sometimes, but something may be up if it is becoming more common to someone. It can be especially obvious if someone gets angry over something they don't usually get mad about or feel sad more often, even though they may generally be cheerful.

3. Neglecting their health and other things

Aside from changes in mental condition, you can know somebody is not okay if you notice changes in their physical health and actions. For example, somebody who is not well may have some weight gain or loss, eat more or less, lack the energy to do things, or become more disorganized with their items or how they do their work. When you see any of these things happen to someone you know, especially if they are not the type to do these things, they may be dealing with something, such as experiencing depression about some unfortunate event or any trouble.

4. General lack of interest

Every person will usually have some hobby or passion about something, and there are other things they place their interest on. So if you know someone who takes a particular liking in doing or engaging in something, and then one day or after some time, you notice they suddenly show a lack of interest in doing their favorite things, it can be a sign of something. They may not even show any hint of happiness when you talk about what they like. They may also reject any offers to go out with others or engage in any enjoyable event or situation. These behaviors can eventually make them more withdrawn as they reject anything that can make them happy because they may think they don't deserve it or don't want to bother anyone with their troubles.

5. Increased pessimism

If someone is struggling emotionally due to something that troubles them, it can show in how they speak and act. They may joke sarcastically or be cynical in tone when speaking. They may also like to focus more on negative things, like news that describes an unfortunate situation or thinking more about bad outcomes. Thanks to social media, we may also notice people in trouble but are hiding it posting more cryptic information, or leaning toward the negative, such as saying things like it's over or they can't take it anymore. People struggling may also act recklessly as if they don't care if they get hurt or suffer adverse consequences for making bad decisions. If you notice someone behaving like this, it's an excellent idea to reach out and support them in whatever way we can.

We should help those who are struggling emotionally.

People have different tolerance levels regarding how much they can take before they start worrying and feeling anxious about something troubling them. Some people know how to bounce back and overcome their situations effectively, but some can't, while others try to hide whatever is bothering them. Some may try to mask their worries by acting like everything is okay, but their other actions and thoughts may say otherwise. By noticing signs indicating someone may not be feeling okay, we can do something to ease their burden by reaching out and providing whatever help we can give, such as consulting a doctor specializing in mental health treatment if the situation gets serious. The problem is that sometimes, people are unwilling to help themselves, and they will only take action if others start reaching out to them. So we must recognize when somebody is not feeling okay, as they may be experiencing something more serious like a mental illness that may lead to performing haphazard actions and decisions. People can feel better if they know at least that someone is concerned about their well-being and is willing to help them overcome it.