World Mental Health Day 2025: Psychologist Highlights Four Early Signs You Might Need Therapy

As the world observes World Mental Health Day 2025, experts are urging people to recognize emotional distress early and seek professional support before problems escalate. Clinical psychologist Ruchika Kanwal, founder of Anamkaaruh Therapy Care and Counselling, shared four crucial warning signs that indicate when therapy may be beneficial.

Kanwal emphasized that mental health care should not be reserved only for crises. Instead, therapy can serve as a preventive and restorative practice for those struggling with emotional instability, motivation loss, or behavioral changes.

The first major sign, she explained, is a noticeable drop in motivation or energy. When individuals begin to lose interest in activities they once enjoyed or feel persistently fatigued without clear reasons, it may signal deeper psychological strain.

The second sign is emotional volatility—frequent mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or persistent sadness lasting for weeks. Such symptoms may suggest unresolved emotional distress that requires professional attention.

The third indicator involves physical manifestations of stress. Changes in appetite, irregular sleep patterns, frequent headaches, and digestive issues can often reflect mental health concerns rather than purely physical problems.

Lastly, behavioral changes—such as withdrawing from loved ones, struggling with communication, or avoiding social activities—may point to underlying mental exhaustion. Significant life transitions like job changes, breakups, or personal losses can also trigger such behaviors, warranting therapeutic intervention.

Kanwal noted that many people delay seeking help because they believe their struggles are “not serious enough.” However, she emphasized that early intervention can prevent long-term consequences and foster emotional resilience.

Encouraging a cultural shift toward openness, the psychologist urged individuals to treat mental well-being with the same importance as physical health. “Therapy is not a sign of weakness,” she said, “but a proactive step toward self-care and healing.”