As resilient as we perceive ourselves to be, we’re all bound to experience challenges with our mental health at some point. If you’ve been feeling “off” lately, you aren’t the only one. With a recent pandemic coupled with growing economic uncertainty, it’s no wonder why depression, anxiety, and other common disorders are on the rise. Because preserving your mental sanity is a long-term process, it’s important that you identify any cause for concern as early as possible. Then, choosing to work with Stellar Hypnotherapy or try other options can help you get back on track. But irts, you need to identify what’s up. This dedicated guide explores 6 common warning signs to help you address, maintain and preserve your mental health.
- Experiencing Sleep Problems
Proper sleep is essential to our overall well-being. If you aren’t getting the recommended 7 to 8 hours of rest per night, chances are this may impact your mental state in several ways. On the one hand, sleep deprivation due to insomnia can lead to chronic fatigue, crankiness, and mental fog. You’ll also likely suffer physical symptoms, including dull skin and dark circles around the eyes. On the other hand, hypersomnia (sleeping for 10 hours or more) is one of the most common signs of a depressive disorder. As such, look for ways to achieve a balanced and sustainable sleeping pattern.
- Resorting to Substance Abuse
It’s been established that caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and other mind-altering substances can wreak havoc on your mental health when consumed in excess. Of course, while the occasional glass of wine at dinner won’t hurt, reaching for a bottle or a lighter whenever you’re feeling emotional can damage your health, eventually landing you in rehabilitation. If it comes down to that, the information found at akasharecovery.com suggests you look for a reputable center for wellness and recovery. Whether you live in Baltimore or San Diego, reaching out to experts can help put you back on the right track and avert further damage to your health.
- Excessive Irritability or Anger
Everyone feels inexplicably angry or irritable at times. More often than not, we assume it’s because of mood swings, or that we’re simply having a bad day. However, experiencing these feelings in a disproportionate manner may be a sign of something deeper. Anger and irritability become problems when they manifest as sudden outbursts or make you become hostile towards people without reason. With time, those repressed emotions can impair both your physical and mental health. Left untreated, they can considerably undermine your relationships, too. In that case, regular sessions with a therapist can help you get to the root of the issue.
- Fluctuating Appetite or Weight
It’s no secret that our appetites can change drastically, depending on our personal circumstances or what day it is. However, appetite and weight changes that come without warning are often cause for concern. If you’re not feeling as hungry as usual, cannot find the motivation to cook, or are simply growing weary of food, you may be experiencing depression. On the other end of the spectrum, having an overactive appetite and putting on weight quickly may indicate that your body is trying to cope with something. Either way, don’t overlook these warning signs and keep your weight in check.
- Feeling Drained
If you’ve been feeling strangely tired or lethargic lately, chances are you might need to address the state of your mental health. Running on low energy not only makes you unable to think clearly or remember things, but it can also affect your concentration levels, and therefore, your productivity. In case that sluggishness has started to affect your work performance, leaves you unable to attend to family duties, and you’re finding it harder to motivate yourself, consider seeking a professional’s guidance.
- Unable to Overcome Trauma
Emotionally speaking, traumas can have profound and extensive impacts on our mental health. Constantly reliving a past traumatic event, whether it was an accident, the loss of a loved one, or an abusive relationship, leaves us unable to bounce back and look forward to living our lives. Whereas some people will naturally overcome trauma on their own, others will require additional support to leave the ordeal behind. If you find yourself unable to process and deal with trauma in a healthy manner, reach out to someone for help.
The road towards happiness and fulfillment is riddled with many obstacles. In the end, it’s your determination in addressing and overcoming these challenges that will allow you to feel at peace. Whatever it is you’re struggling with, even if you can’t quite pinpoint what it is, never delay seeking a professional’s help. Their support and advice can do wonders for your mental well-being.
