Mental health issues can sneak up on you without you really noticing. For some people, it is always there. It can be a part of them and who they have always been. For others, it can be a gradual change. It can be so gradual that you do not quite notice how bad things have gotten.
It starts to become a part of you and your normal. Mental health issues are your mind and body’s reaction to what is going on in your life. Perhaps you have suffered a recent loss, or you are physically unwell. Maybe you lost your job, and/or are experiencing financial issues. Or, perhaps it is not one specific thing, but rather a physical and chemical imbalance, for which treatment such as dialectical behavior therapy can help.
Whatever the cause, it is important to recognize the signs of poor mental health. You need to be able to do this not just in other people, but in yourself too. Here, are some of the things to look for to determine if you are suffering from mental health issues.
Losing interest in things you normally enjoy
When people think about mental illness, they assume it is all about feeling down and sad all the time, but that is not always the case. In fact, there can exist a lack of any emotion whatsoever. Even if you do not feel especially sad, you may still be experiencing mental health issues People often experience a loss of interest in the activities they once enjoyed and even avoid doing them. If you find yourself irritated and uninterested in things you previously loved doing, it may be an indication that something is not quite right.
Turning to self-medication
People with an undiagnosed mental health problem, often self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. If you are feeling particularly stressed, alcohol may help you relax, or if you are feeling sad, it may seemingly bolster your mood. The problem is, those effects are short-lived and in the long run, will make your mental health issues worse. It is also very easy to become dependent on alcohol or drugs and develop an addiction. If you think you are self-medicating and are in dangerous waters, seek professional advice as soon as possible. If, for example, you find that you are drinking a lot more alcohol than you used to, and/or drink alone rather than socially, it might be time to seek help.
Metal health issues can cause sleep issues
Another very common indication of a mental health issue is changes in your sleeping habits. When people suffer from anxiety, they frequently find it extremely difficult to relax and unwind, which in turn affects sleep
Alternatively, some people find that mental health conditions have the opposite effect. They become lethargic and sleep more than normal. If you notice a significant change in your normal sleep routines, have a chat with your doctor and seek help in determining the cause and possible treatments.
If you are suffering from mental or emotional issues, please seek help. Search “help for mental health issues” or try one of the following links.
SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
National Institute of Mental Health
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