We all experience hard times. But have you ever had that gut feeling, the one that tells you something is off with someone you love?
Maybe they’ve become distant or seem to be spiraling downwards.
As a friend, partner, or family member, it’s natural to want to help. But identifying the signs of an emotional breakdown can sometimes be tricky.
I’ve seen it firsthand, and I can tell you from experience—it’s not always obvious at first.
In this post, I’m going to talk about the subtle, and sometimes not-so-subtle, signs that someone in your life might be struggling emotionally.
Based on my own experiences and supported by research, these are the red flags that indicate someone may be emotionally breaking down.
1. Their Sleep Patterns Are All Over the Place
Sleep is essential. It’s when our bodies heal, our minds process, and we get the rest we need to function.
But when someone is going through an emotional breakdown, sleep is often one of the first things to go.
I’ve noticed this pattern with a friend of mine—he either couldn’t fall asleep or would sleep all day, both extremes wreaking havoc on his mood and energy.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, adults need about 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
But when anxiety, stress, or depression creeps in, sleep can become elusive.
The Mental Health Foundation even points out that anxiety can cause your thoughts to race, making it hard to fall asleep.
If you see someone you care about struggling with irregular sleep, it’s a clear sign that something deeper is happening.
Try suggesting a sleep journal or even a conversation with a therapist.
Sometimes, simply talking about what’s on their mind before bed can make a huge difference.
2. They Can’t Seem to Focus on Anything
Do you find yourself repeating things to someone because they seem distracted or forgetful?
It can be frustrating, but lack of concentration is often a sign of emotional distress.
I’ve been there with a close friend who would zone out mid-conversation. It wasn’t that they didn’t care, but their mind was too cluttered to stay in the moment.
Licensed clinical social worker Jennifer Gerlach suggests that we take a step back and self-reflect on situations like this.
Often, when someone is emotionally breaking down, they’re overwhelmed by unmet needs or neglected relationships.
Asking ourselves and them why they feel so scattered can open up pathways to better understanding and finding solutions.
Sometimes, all they need is someone to listen, without judgment or trying to “fix” them.
By simply being there, you can help them refocus on what truly matters.
3. They’ve Started Neglecting Their Hygiene
This is a tough one to notice—and even tougher to bring up.
But I’ve seen it with a loved one who, during a tough period, stopped caring for themselves.
They stopped showering regularly, wearing clean clothes, and even brushing their teeth.
It was heartbreaking to watch because I knew it wasn’t about laziness; it was about feeling so overwhelmed that self-care didn’t even register.
According to research, poor personal hygiene can be a symptom of mental health disorders such as depression or schizophrenia.
As hard as it is to address, gently suggesting a self-care day can sometimes help.
Maybe you could offer to have a spa day together, try a fun face mask, or even gift them a nice set of bath products.
These little gestures can remind them that self-care is important and that you care about their well-being.
Registered nurse Ivory Smith Causey also advises linking bathing or self-care to specific days of the week, which can create a routine.
Encouraging them to start small, like using cleansing wipes on tough days, can make a difference without overwhelming them.
4. Their Eating Habits Are Out of Whack
Food is fuel, but when someone’s emotions are in turmoil, their eating habits often take a hit.
Maybe you’ve noticed your friend binge-eating junk food or barely eating at all. I’ve seen both ends of this spectrum, and both are concerning.
Whether someone is stress-eating or losing their appetite altogether, it’s a sign they’re struggling.
Research has shown that poor dietary habits are often linked to depressive disorders and anxiety.
And the reverse is true, too—healthy eating patterns can improve mental health.
When someone is emotionally breaking down, offering support can mean doing something as simple as cooking a meal together or inviting them over for dinner.
One idea I found helpful is doing cooking challenges with friends.
Make it fun—cook a healthy recipe together or over a video call.
Food can be a great way to connect, and sometimes just sharing a meal can open up much-needed conversations.
5. They Constantly Complain About Their Health
Ever notice someone you care about always seems to have a new ache, pain, or health complaint?
I used to shrug off these concerns as unrelated to emotions—until I learned better.
Emotional stress can manifest physically.
Headaches, body aches, and even digestive problems can all be linked to mental health.
Studies have shown that stress can weaken the immune system, making us more prone to illness.
And people with mental health issues are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, which can further deteriorate their health.
When a loved one complains about these constant physical symptoms, don’t just dismiss them.
Instead, gently encourage them to check in with their mental and emotional health as well.
Remind them that both their physical and emotional well-being are connected, and both deserve attention.
6. They’re Losing Interest in Everything
This one hits hard.
When someone you love starts losing interest in things they once enjoyed, it’s a red flag that they may be in serious emotional distress.
I remember a time when my friend, once an avid artist, stopped drawing altogether.
They no longer found joy in the things that used to light them up.
It wasn’t just about losing interest in hobbies; they were starting to check out of life altogether.
If this sounds familiar, don’t ignore it.
This isn’t just about boredom or changing interests—it could be a sign of depression or another emotional crisis.
Encourage them to seek professional help, whether that’s a counselor or therapist.
Sometimes, it’s beyond what we can do as friends or family, and getting them the right support is crucial.
7. They’re Having Sudden and Unpredictable Mood Swings
Have you ever felt like you were walking on eggshells around someone because their mood could change at any moment?
One minute they’re laughing, the next they’re upset, seemingly out of nowhere.
While mood swings can happen to all of us, unpredictable and extreme changes in mood can indicate a more serious emotional issue.
According to research, mood instability can be a symptom of various psychiatric disorders.
If you’re seeing this in someone you care about, it might be time to encourage them to seek professional help.
Sometimes, suggesting mindfulness practices like meditation or breathing exercises can also provide some relief in the moment.
8. They Feel Hopeless
Perhaps the most concerning sign of all is hopelessness.
If someone you love starts expressing feelings of despair, saying things like “nothing matters” or “there’s no point,” it’s time to take action.
I’ve had a friend confide in me that they felt hopeless, and it was one of the scariest conversations I’ve ever had.
But as terrifying as it was, I knew I needed to listen and be there for them.
Hopelessness can be a symptom of depression or other mood disorders, and research has found that it can increase feelings of loneliness and even lead to dangerous thoughts.
If someone you love feels like there’s no future, it’s essential to encourage them to seek professional help immediately.
Being positive around them can make a difference.
Don’t dump your own problems on them, and try to lift their spirits without being dismissive.
Sometimes, your presence and encouragement can remind them that hope isn’t lost.
Final Thoughts
Watching someone you love go through an emotional breakdown is painful, and it can leave you feeling helpless.
But as I’ve learned through my own experiences, the most important thing you can do is be there.
Offer support, listen without judgment, and encourage them to seek professional help when needed.
Emotional breakdowns don’t happen overnight, and they won’t be resolved overnight either.
But with patience, understanding, and the right resources, you can help guide your loved one back to a healthier emotional place.
Remember, it’s the little things—showing up, lending an ear, and encouraging self-care—that can make the biggest difference.
if you found this article helpful, kindly share it with your loved ones. it encourage me to write more. And before You leave, check out the recommended reading below, am sure you will find something that will interest you. THANKS
