Mental health is the general ability to govern one’s emotions, thoughts, and behavior. There is no benchmark for comparing what is typical for you to what may cause concern in another person. Nonetheless, the 2nd Chance Treatment Center emphasizes poor mental health can affect how you relate with friends and family, your productivity, energy levels, social interactions, and more. If anything feels off, especially for an extended period, you should not disregard that feeling. Although it might be difficult to pinpoint the specific sensation, it could present itself in the following six indicators of a mental health problem.

1.     Disrupted Sleep

Insomnia may be an indication that you are suffering from anxiety or depression. However, constant oversleeping may signify that your body is exhausted to the extent of burnout. Therefore, talk to your doctor if you have difficulties going to sleep or remaining asleep to determine if it stems from a mental health issue.

2.     Extreme Irritability or Heightened Emotions

Experiencing aggravation, rage, feeling quickly frustrated and snappy, or significant mood fluctuations may signify your mental health is out of balance. Anxiety and depression might make it more difficult to self-regulate your emotions and thoughts, causing you to be more sensitive or reactive than normal.

3.     Loss of Pleasure

It is natural to have an occasional terrible day, and life will inevitably bring you some misery at some stage. However, if you consistently discover less satisfaction and pleasure in activities you once enjoyed, it may indicate something is wrong. For instance, if you once enjoyed playing the guitar or golfing but no longer have any interest in doing so, you might have an issue with your mental health.

4.     Variation In Appetite

There are numerous ways in which anxiety and depression might alter a person’s eating habits. Some people may lose their appetite due to anxiety and stress, as they might not want to eat or have the desire to eat. For others, bingeing on comfort foods might temporarily alleviate depressive feelings and thoughts. If you discover that you are undereating or overeating to the extent that you have rapid weight fluctuations, it may be time to get assistance for your mental health.

5.     Deteriorating Physical Symptoms

Anxiety and depression may cause physical side effects such as a fast heart rate, gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, dizziness, and sweating. If abrupt physical symptoms develop for no apparent medical reason, this may indicate deteriorating mental health.

6.     Low Energy Levels

Individuals who are having issues with their mental health frequently experience exhaustion and lethargy. Concentrating, following discussions, and thinking fast when feeling physically or mentally slow is more difficult. If you have such low energy that it is difficult to motivate yourself to step out of bed, you may want to consult a physician.

7.     Feeling Worthless

Thoughts like you are a failure, blaming yourself, or feeling worthless are potential indicators of a mental health issue. If you notice your friend or loved one is always pessimistic, they might be struggling with depression. When severe, such people might express the desire to harm or kill themselves.

The warning signs of mental health concerns might vary considerably from one person to another. As such, it is often hard to identify whether one’s feelings are transient and will pass by themselves or whether they are persistent and might require professional assistance. Nevertheless, it is vital to understand that mental health concerns do not have to be severe for you to seek treatment. If it is anything out of the ordinary, you should seek mental health care. Your specialist will assess your concerns and determine the right treatment for you, be it therapy, counseling, or medication.

By AESir