Written by: Rylan Spencer
Editor’s Note: The following articles are written by counseling professionals from Counseling Services in partnership with the Southern Accent.
In our society, we are pressured to present a positive outlook, even when the opposite is true. While this is mostly due to cultural expectations and norms, it can create a mask for those who hide their feelings despite their wish to express themselves. Thus, it can be hard to know when even the closest of friends needs your support. In this article, we will discuss several ways to tell whether someone around you may need help, although many signs may be internal, depression and anxiety symptoms often show in other areas of life.
Sudden Physical Changes
Changes in a person’s physical appearance can often be a strong indicator that they’re dealing with emotional or mental struggles. For example, a sudden drop in weight might signal that they’re not eating enough, possibly due to stress, anxiety or a depressive episode affecting their appetite. Similarly, dark circles or “bags” under the eyes may point to sleep difficulties, suggesting they’re struggling to find rest or peace of mind.
Social Withdrawal
In addition to neglecting personal care, people suffering from depression or anxiety often withdraw altogether from their community and social activities. A friend might frequently find excuses to back out of pre-planned events, avoid initiating plans, show up late despite usually being punctual or even start missing classes and skipping work.”
Anxious Behaviors
Stress and anxiety can trigger habits such as nail-biting, skin-picking or hair-twisting, which are often clear indicators of distress. While some people may engage in anxious behaviors out of boredom, they can also be signs of deeper emotional struggles, mainly if they appear suddenly or become more intense. Addressing these behaviors early is essential, as they can become painful, long-lasting habits if left unchecked. Recognizing and gently addressing these signs can help prevent these habits from becoming chronic sources of discomfort.
Changes in Eating Habits
Another significant indicator of anxiety or depression is a drastic change in someone’s eating habits. It may appear as either overeating or undereating, depending on how the individual copes with stress. For example, a person might restrict their food intake due to heightened concerns about their appearance or lose their appetite entirely following a traumatic event, lacking the energy or motivation to eat. On the other hand, some individuals turn to food and binge eat when they feel low, which can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food. According to an article by the Cleveland Clinic, during periods of overeating or undereating, “It feels like it controls you and interferes with your mental, emotional and physical well-being.” Recognizing major shifts is essential, as they often signal deeper emotional struggles that could benefit from professional support.
Compassionate Observation
Recognizing signs of distress in others—whether through physical appearance, behaviors or changes in habits—can make a meaningful difference in supporting someone who may be struggling. Subtle cues, including shifts in personal hygiene, anxious habits, social withdrawal and changes in eating patterns, are often indicators of deeper emotional or mental challenges. By being observant and compassionate, we can offer understanding and encourage those around us to seek help if they need it. Sometimes, simply showing that you care and are there to listen can be the first step toward someone’s healing journey.