Today, life is much easier than it used to be 50 years ago, yet most people suffer from mental health problems. Even though living standards have significantly improved, the world has become tough to survive. Aren’t we living in uncertain times?
The sudden wave of coronavirus put the entire world on hold and locked people inside their homes. Some had to stay away from families, while others had to mourn the loss of their loved ones. After all, the deadly virus took thousands of lives.
Besides the pandemic, social media has also fueled mental health problems. Young adults compare their lives with celebrities and influencers, falling into the artificial notion of perfection. It develops a feeling that they lag, leading to sadness and depression. It might seem an uncommon concern, but it has become the root cause of mental health issues.
Have you ever found yourself comparing your lifestyle with anyone on Instagram? Are you losing interest in things that you enjoyed once? If so, you might be going through some mental health problems. Of course, there is nothing wrong with feeling a certain way, but you must identify the problem to avoid depression. To help you out, here we have listed six signs that you might be struggling with your mental health.
1. Substance Abuse
People often find themselves in unwanted situations that they want to escape badly. Perhaps, you might be dealing with a loss of a loved one, a heartbreak, or before-exam anxiety. People unable to cope with their emotions turn to drugs and alcohol as an escape. First, it causes an adrenaline rush, energizing your body but remember, this is temporary. Afterward, the substance clouds your entire thought process, making you feel dizzy, sluggish, and tired.
If you are in a similar situation, don’t be afraid to seek help. Rehabilitation centers like Palm Beach Group provide a comprehensive approach to recovery. They can develop a treatment plan specifically catered to your needs. But at the same time, you must give yourself a break. Despite the withdrawal symptoms, promise yourself never to abuse substances again.
2. Emotional Outbursts
Every person experiences different emotions. However, sudden changes in mood, such as severe distress or anger, can signify an emotional outburst. It usually happens when people keep their emotions wrapped because they aren’t used to expressing them. As a result, you might burst into tears or start yelling suddenly. Now, the question is, why does this happen?
Experts believe emotional outbursts are an overflow of negative emotions triggered by mental health issues. For example, maybe, you can’t trust people due to past experiences, which leads to anger or distress whenever you take a leap of faith. In short, emotional outbursts occur when an expectation hasn’t been met for too long, so everything comes out at once.
3. Avoiding Social Contact
There comes a phase when you might not feel like meeting your friends and family. You want some alone time to self-reflect and rejuvenate. It is a healthy choice unless it turns into self-isolation. Living alone, without social contact, can make you feel lonely, leading to deep depression. Similarly, if you have been canceling all your plans lately, it is a sign of social anxiety.
Cutting off from people could have a lot of reasons. It happens due to the psychological disadvantages of social media, the loss of loved one, or self-image issues. Regardless, humans need to have relationships with other people. Therefore, you must stay connected with your friends and family since having conversations gives us a better perspective on life.
4. Sleeping Problems
Do you face trouble sleeping? Most people suffering from mental health problems are unable to sleep. Often, anxiety causes racing and repetitive thoughts that can keep you away. Similarly, trauma can cause flashbacks and nightmares that disturb sleep. You might feel uncomfortable in the dark, and the fear makes it impossible to fall asleep.
Further, paranoia also triggers sleeping problems. Do you ever hear voices or see things at night? It is a mental condition where people hear and see imaginary things that frighten them at night. Not getting enough sleep leads to tiredness, making it difficult to cope with daily life. Therefore, seek help from a psychologist to fix your sleeping pattern and eliminate mental health problems.
5. Lack of Focus
If you have difficulty concentrating and focusing, it might be a sign of mental health issues. It means you no longer see the point of getting things done. It also shows you have lost motivation to make things happen, a sign of depression and sadness. After all, these feelings take over your mind before you even realize it. Therefore, notice such signs and prevent yourself from falling into depression.
Perhaps, create a to-do list and incorporate a healthy routine into your lifestyle. Likewise, adopt habits that help you maintain discipline and focus. It will make you feel good about yourself while helping you overcome sadness and depression.
6. Appetite Changes
Have you gained or lost a lot of pounds recently? Sometimes, mental health issues can lead to appetite changes. For example, some people start stress-eating, whereas others kill their diet due to anxiety or depression. After all, individuals suffering from anxiety become so overwhelmed that they lose the desire to eat. You might experience something similar if you suffer from depression. You won’t have the energy to prepare meals or even order food, as sadness leads to nausea and loss of appetite.
Further, you might also start to gain weight, especially if you have been abusing substances. This is because the chemicals in drugs eat up your appetite, making you feel hungry all the time. Thus, get help if you experience sudden appetite changes. Remember, you can always break the cycle and overcome mental health concerns like depression and anxiety. All it requires is a willingness and lots of effort.
Final Thoughts
As mental health problems are becoming a growing concern in today’s day and time, you must prioritize your mental health. Look after your mind, body, and soul, and identify signs that might be getting triggered due to anxiety and depression. Thus, reach out to an expert whenever something doesn’t feel right. Likewise, you can even speak to your friends and family if you need support. Remember, never struggle with mental health alone, and don’t be afraid to seek help.