Signs of Mental Illness

Illustration by Emelin Rodriguez Canela

1. Quick changes in mood

2. Lack of sleep

3. Loss of interest in things that once brought brought joy

4. Being sad for very long periods of time

5. Feeling guilty

6. Memory issues

7. Self-blame

8. Extreme hunger, or no hunger at all

9. Extreme anxiety

10. Difficulty making decisions

11. Feelings of hopelessness or insecurity

12. Trust issues

13. Thinking others only see the bad in you

14. Difficulty building and maintaining relationships

15. Avoiding certain situations like talking to people

16. Low self-esteem

17. Lack of proper hygiene

How to Talk to a Person Suffering with Depression

When a person comes to talk to you about a mental health concern, it's important to keep the following tips in mind.

Illustration by Paula Cantor

How to Talk to a Person Suffering with Depression.

1. Let them talk

2. Be an active listener to them

3. Don't try to solve their problems

4. Don't pass judgment on what they are going through

5. Talk to them as you normally would

6. Let them know you are there for them

How the Pandemic Affected Global Mental Health

The global pandemic had a major affect on mental health in the following ways:

1. Students not being able to spend time with friends

2. Change in weight and physical appearance

3. Isolation

4. Loss of jobs and income

5. Being confined to the house every day

6. Not being able to go to school or work in person

7. A lot of physical activities cancelled like gyms, sports and hanging out with friends.