3 weeks ago

7 Signs Your Mental Health Needs Attention Now

Do you know the signs of mental health struggles? Sometimes these feelings become hard to detect. Common signs include feeling sad, worried, or angry for most of the day, trouble sleeping, avoiding friends, and having difficulty concentrating. Even easy forgetfulness, excessive sleep, or headaches are related to a mental health disorder. It is, therefore, important to pay attention to signs early enough so that the individual can receive help and get better.

When you are struggling with a sore throat, a cough, or a stuffy nose, it is quite easy to know the signs. 

But About Mental Health Problems, Are You Not As Aware Of Signs? 

In reality, mental illness issues may be less clear-cut, and very few people might actually be aware of these signs.

Common mental health signs and symptoms are:

• Constant tiredness despite adequate rest.
• Persistent sadness, irritability, or mood swings.
• Avoiding social interactions, losing interest in activities.
• Insomnia, excessive sleep, or disrupted sleep patterns.
• Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering.
• Significant weight fluctuation or altered eating habits.
• Unexplained aches, headaches, or digestive issues.
• Feeling overwhelmed or helpless.
• Increased reliance on alcohol or drugs.

Sleep Issues and Disorders

Are you finding it increasingly difficult to get a good night’s sleep? Both insufficiency and excess in sleep can be symptoms of some unconscious mental diseases. In such a state, our capacity to rest diminishes when we are experiencing depression or anxiety, thus creating a circle where poor sleep worsens these conditions. Lack of sleep stalls the most important cognitive functions, such as attention and emotional regulation, thus making us vulnerable to experiencing more feelings of anxiety and depression. Conversely, oversleeping, especially when accompanied by tiredness, may indicate a serious underlying disorder, as most comorbid major depressive incidents are associated with hypersomnia. Moreover, frequent distressing nightmares that might seem to replay old traumas may call for the evaluation of posttraumatic stress disorder.

Digestive Discomfort

Do you often feel nervous in your stomach without a clear reason? The connection between our gastrointestinal (GI) system and mental health is profound. Psychological distress can manifest as physical symptoms like nausea or cramps, as the gut and brain communicate closely about our emotional states. If you’re experiencing ongoing GI issues without an identifiable cause—such as dietary changes or medication adjustments—it’s essential to consider the possibility that these symptoms might stem from emotional turmoil rather than just physical factors.

Changes in Eating Habits

Have you noticed shifts in your appetite lately? Psychological stress can easily influence the way we eat, and most people find that their desires-both for food in general or for specific things-enlarge during a depressive episode. Some comfort foods, especially those high in carbs, are just more appealing when they send serotonin flowing, providing temporary relief from bad feelings. However, if your eating becomes odd or unhealthy, then it may be indicative of how you’re coping with stress, or rather, not coping well.

Lack of Motivation

Are you struggling to find the drive to accomplish even simple tasks? A marked decline in motivation can be a key symptom of mood disorders, particularly if this feeling persists for several weeks. This lack of drive often stems from difficulties with focus and negative self-talk that discourages action. While procrastination on less enjoyable tasks is common, an inability to manage daily responsibilities may indicate escalating mental health concerns.

Understanding Anhedonia as a Sign of Depression

How long has it been since you really felt something you once enjoyed? Anhedonia, or the loss of pleasure in activities one once found enjoyable, is a major symptom of depression. Depression can result in desensitizing us to reward cues, such that we do not feel nearly as much pleasure from social interactions with loved ones or hobbies we once cherished. If this feeling persists after a couple of weeks, then it might be regarded as one of the early warning signs of depression.

Withdrawal from Social Activities

Do you find yourself avoiding social interactions more than usual? Isolation can stem from various mental health issues, particularly if it’s accompanied by feelings of inadequacy or fear of judgment. Whether it’s due to a lack of motivation or anxiety about social situations, withdrawing from friends and family can signal deeper emotional struggles. It’s important to recognize these patterns and consider reaching out for support.

Increased Irritability

Have you noticed yourself becoming easily frustrated or snapping at others? While often attributed to external stressors such as work or money issues, deep-down anger can be a signal of underlying psychological concerns. Chronic stress disrupts brain functions in emotion regulation and attention and therefore enhances the level of irritation. For some, especially adolescents, anger may be a manifestation of sadness or depression. Sometimes, therefore, anger needs to be further explored.

Recognizing these signs is the first step toward addressing potential mental health challenges.  

Are you ready to take the first step and connect with a Helply therapist.

Conclusion

Recognizing the signs that your mental health needs attention is essential for getting the help you need. Symptoms like trouble sleeping, changes in eating habits, and increased irritability are important to notice. By understanding these signs and reaching out for support, you can improve your mental well-being and feel better. Remember, you’re not alone—helply is available.

FAQs 

What are the signs of mental health struggles? 

Common signs include feeling sad, worried, trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, lack of motivation, avoiding people, and irritability.

How are sleep issues linked to mental health?

Poor sleep or too much sleep can be signs of anxiety or depression.

Can mental health affect digestion? 

Yes, emotional stress can cause stomach problems like nausea or cramps.

How can Helply assist?

Helply connect you with therapists to support your mental health journey.