Spotting Mental Struggle

  •   Sat, Aug 23 2025
  •   By Elizabeth Livero

August 23, 2025

When the Signs Are Quiet: How to Spot Mental Health Problems in Your Daily Life?

Let’s understand how to spot the quietly drowning staff or students amongst us:

It’s a wrong notion that we always hear the loud cries and we offer help. Sometimes, it's the student who used use to be bubbling with life in class but now just stares out the window. Or the coworker who used to giggle at every joke but now eats lunch alone. Tears aren't always a clear symptom of mental distress; sometimes its hidden in the background of everyday life.

"We miss people who are quietly drowning if we only look for the 'big' signs" & “bog noises”.

Why should we understand the Importance of Silent Signs:

Being a teacher has taught me that the classroom is more than just a place to learn and do well; it's also a place where people can feel things. Stressful events, like a public breakdown or an angry outburst, are easy to spot. But a lot of psychological disorders are hidden by normal behaviours or smiles. If we only look for the "big" signals/signs, we miss people who are lost in the bustle of life.

How Quiet Battles/ Silent Struggles Can Look Like:

• Not doing things that are part of your daily life, such as skipping lunch with friends, not responding to messages, and avoiding group projects.

• Changes in the quality of work or involvement, such not finishing assignments, not being able to concentrate, or making strange mistakes.

• Changes in your body, such slouching, tired eyes, and headaches or stomachaches that don't seem to be connected.

• Overcompensating cheerfulness is when you are "extra" cheery to hide sorrow.

• Being unusually quiet, especially for those who usually talk a lot.

"These signs are worth paying attention to, but they don't always mean that someone is in a crisis." This is the time you should reach out and extent help.

How to Get in Touch Without Giving Up:

As a compassionate human you would like to offer help when you notice the silent signs, right! Here’s how you can approach.

  • You should pick the best time and in private, when things are quiet, but do not rush.
  • Try to talk based on what you see instead of what you think: “I observed that you've been quieter than usual. I just wanted to be sure. Don't say, you're acting weird. What's wrong with you?”

# When you don't say anything, they may feel more comfortable talking to you.

Instead of giving orders, give options:

  • "Would you rather talk now or later?" or "Can I help you find someone to talk to?"
  • Then try to connect them to the right person or helpline support organizations instantly.

How Important Your Role Is:

It's okay to think that you can't "fix" what's going on in someone else's life. Even if you're not a therapist, you can still be the person who helps someone get help. The individual who makes the difference is usually the first to see it.

  • You don't have to talk perfectly. You only need to care enough to ask. Sometimes that's all it takes to keep hope alive.

If you or someone you love is feeling emotional pain, hopelessness, or overwhelmed, there is help available.

  • Call the Suicide Lifeline initiative
  • We are here to listen 08242983444.
  • Its free & available 24/7.

 

 

 
By Elizabeth Livero
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