Mental Health Awareness Week

12^th – 18^th of May is Mental Health Awareness Week.  We all have a part to play in talking to each other about mental health.  This can be particularly challenging when it comes to our ageing parents.  In this article we share some hints and tips from Mental Health UK which may be helpful.

Spotting the Signs of Poor Mental Health — and How to Support Someone

Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act — and just like physical health, it can fluctuate. Recognizing the signs of poor mental health early can help us offer support when it’s needed most.

Notice the Changes

Poor mental health can show up in many ways — physically, emotionally, and behaviourally. Here are some key indicators to look out for:

Physical Symptoms

• Persistent headaches
• Muscle tension or back pain
• Tight jaw or grinding teeth
• Increased heart rate or rapid breathing
• Changes in appetite
• Stomach problems
• Difficulty sleeping

Behavioural and Cognitive Symptoms

• Avoiding people or blaming others
• Changes in eating habits, including comfort eating
• Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or smoking
• Snapping or becoming irritable
• Withdrawal from social situations
• Difficulty focusing or remembering things
• Nail-biting or other nervous habits
• Racing thoughts or persistent worry
• Panic attacks
• Struggling to make decisions or think clearly

Emotional Symptoms

• Feeling frightened, anxious, or worried
• Anger or irritability
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Shame or guilt
• Mood swings or disproportionate emotional reactions
• Sadness or persistent low mood

Having a Supportive Conversation

If you’re concerned about someone, approaching them with care can make a real difference. Here’s how to do it in a thoughtful and respectful way:

Dos:

• Find the right time and space
  Choose a quiet, private setting without distractions. Make sure they feel safe and you have enough time to talk.
• Actively listen without judgment
  Let them talk at their own pace. Avoid interrupting or reacting critically.
• Ask open-ended questions
  Try: “I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed yourself lately. What’s been on your mind?” Give them space to respond.
• Acknowledge and validate
  Let them know their feelings are valid. Say things like, “I can see this has really upset you,” instead of dismissive phrases like, “Don’t be silly.”
• Reflect and clarify
  Repeating or rephrasing what they’ve said helps show you’re listening and want to understand: “When you say X, do you mean Y?”
• Show empathy, not sympathy
  Empathy connects; sympathy can create distance. Say, “That sounds really tough,” rather than, “I feel sorry for you.”
• Empower them to find solutions
  Ask what they think would help. This gives them a sense of control and avoids jumping to advice they may not want or need.

Don’ts:

• Don’t make assumptions or diagnose — you’re there to support, not to analyse.
• Don’t compare their experiences to your own — keep the focus on them.
• Don’t rush to ‘fix’ the situation — being heard is often more powerful than quick solutions.
• Don’t dismiss their feelings or tell them to “cheer up” — it can feel invalidating and shut down further conversation.

Where to Find Help

If someone is struggling, encourage them to seek professional support. Here are some helpful resources:

• Mental Health UK
  Learn more about mental health conditions, symptoms, and treatment options.
• Find a GP
  Encourage them to book a double appointment with their GP and bring someone for support if needed.
• Hub of Hope
  A nationwide directory that connects people with local mental health services.
• Mental Health UK Resources
  Download guides, tools, and resources to support mental wellbeing.

You don’t need to be an expert to help. Just being there and listening with empathy can be a lifeline.