Mental health in focus: Recognizing and correctly assessing symptoms

As Mental Health Awareness Month, May is an opportunity to talk about mental well-being and raise awareness of the many ways mental strain can manifest. Fatigue, lack of motivation, inner restlessness, or sleep disturbances are just some of the symptoms many people experience in everyday life—sometimes temporarily, sometimes for weeks or even months.

Such complaints are often not immediately identifiable. They may be an expression of psychological stress, such as in connection with stress or emotional overload. But they can also be triggered or contributed to by physical factors—for example, due to hormonal changes, deficiencies, or chronic illnesses.

That’s why it’s so important to take symptoms seriously early on and look at them holistically. A detailed medical assessment helps identify both physical and mental causes—and based on that, determine the appropriate treatment path.

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Typical Signs of Psychological Strain

Symptoms of psychological strain can vary greatly, and are therefore often not recognized as such right away. It often begins with a gradual process: Persistent fatigue, concentration difficulties, social withdrawal, lack of motivation, or sleep disturbances creep into daily life. Those affected may feel restless, overwhelmed, or emotionally empty.

But mood swings can also be typical: between irritability, nervousness, inner emptiness, or sudden depression, many affected individuals experience an emotionally unstable state that is hard to grasp. In some cases, physical symptoms without a clear cause may occur. Psychological strain doesn’t always speak loudly—and that’s why it’s important to pay early attention to changes in your mental state. [1,2]

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Physical Causes – Often Overlooked, But Medically Relevant

What many don’t realize: Numerous physical conditions can cause the same symptoms as depression or anxiety disorders. Low ferritin levels, thyroid dysfunction, vitamin D deficiency, or a chronic inflammation—all of these can manifest as psychological symptoms.

Hormonal changes or post-infection syndromes, such as after COVID-19, are now well-documented triggers for fatigue and mood swings. Therefore: Before making a psychological diagnosis, possible physical causes should be carefully ruled out.

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From Assessment to Orientation: Our Primary Care Contribution

At your avi general practice, care for psychological complaints begins with a thorough medical evaluation. We take our time: In a detailed initial consultation, we assess not only current symptoms, but also possible physical causes. Through targeted examinations – such as lab tests or an ECG for palpitations – we can identify or rule out organic causes, creating a solid basis for further steps.

But our support doesn’t stop at diagnostics. As part of our mental health consultation, we also help patients understand their symptoms and take individual next steps. This might involve structured counseling, a referral for psychotherapy, or an assessment of potential medication support. If further help is needed, we connect patients with specialists or therapists and guide the process upon request.

Our goal is to provide orientation, bringing physical and psychological aspects together to enable a personalized, meaningful treatment. Especially in cases of complex symptom patterns, primary care assessment is often the crucial first step – both medically and personally.
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References

1. National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Warning signs and symptoms. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms
2. Solan, M. (2024, April 1). How to recognize the signs of mental health issues. Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/how-to-recognize-the-signs-of-mental-health-issues

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