There are many classifications of mental health conditions but there are basic principles of judging or seeing if one is developing or suffering from a mental health condition. The first thing that indicates that something is going on is that:

• The symptoms or signs you might be having can be causing you or others significant or great distress.

For example, it is natural to be sad if something bad or unexpected has happened but it becomes a problem when one is sad all or most of the times. The sadness causes them to cry a lot, makes them stop interacting with others or going to work. In that case, the sadness will be causing them and their family members, who they do not spend much time with any more, significant distress. Hence it becomes a challenge which further exploration.

Another example can be about cleanliness. It is natural to want to be clean and to also enjoy living in a clean environment. However, it can become a challenge if we spend 30minutes to an hour washing our hands because we think they are dirty. If we start taking several breaks at the office because we are going to the bathroom to wash our hands. If we struggle to greet people, hold door handles, taps, press elevator buttons, handle cash and many other things for fear of being contaminated by germs. Again all these things can cause us and others significant distress indicating that there is something going on.

At some point as human beings we talk to ourselves. Whether it is about reminding ourselves of something, memorising digits or information or giving ourselves a pep talk. However it can become a challenge when one has imaginary friends that they talk to who they have a back and forth conversation with. This can distract them and make it difficult for them to focus on what is being discussed by the real people around them. Again this can cause great distress to them and those around them

The other principle to look out for when one has or is developing a mental health condition is:

• A decrease in functionality and the ability to carry out activities of daily living

In life there are different roles and responsibilities that come with certain expectations. Therefore, when one is unwell, they struggle to perform their role or fulfil their responsibilities. This can sometimes be seen in a decrease in personal hygiene and grooming. Thus one can struggle with bathing and their appearance might be unkempt, sometimes failing to coordinate clothes or colours in a cohesive way (Not colour blocking).

An example of decreasing functionality can be seen in a parent who is responsible for taking care of the children, Making sure that they are fed, bathed, uniforms are clean, homework is done, lunch boxes are packed etc. Although they had previously been able to do all these tasks before, they start struggling with getting anything done and the children start going to school with dirty uniforms, homework undone, nothing in the lunch box. In that case the parent is decreasing in functionality and also failing to fulfil their role and responsibility. This indicates that something is going on and there is need for further exploration.

Another example is of an employee who used to arrive at work on time, be able to organise their work, meet deadlines and work without or with minimum supervision. At present they cannot seem to get out of bed, they are always late, missing deadlines, always making mistakes and are not motivated to do any work, In this case, they are again decreasing in functionality and are failing to fulfil their role which is indicative of a mental health challenge.

Although we have discussed these principle and other issues, people who are not qualified mental health professionals cannot make a diagnosis or certify anyone as having a mental health conditions. This information is meant to add to the knowledge we have and equip us to look for help when or if we suspect that we or our family member, friend or colleague might be having a mental health condition.