Our mental health can be affected by a variety of different life experiences and events - positive, negative, or a combination of both. This means that our mental health is subjective; every person goes through different sets of problems and deals with them in the way that is right for them. While often ignored, mental health issues can be a difficult problem that can take a toll on our lives and relationships. So, it’s important to know the signs of mental health difficulties and how to recognize them to get the required help.
Mental health, in simple terms, is the wellness of how we see, think, and behave. It also helps us to see how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Sometimes, there is a disturbance in this cycle of mental health that causes mental health issues. It happens when there is a difficulty in our daily patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving which causes unease and disturbs a person’s ability to function.
Being diagnosed with a mental health condition does not mean you should not talk about it. Talking about your mental health issues and seeking help can mean the difference between living in pain and living well, which is why it's necessary to learn when we need to seek help from mental health professionals. We need to understand that we are not the “disorder”, rather we are struggling to cope with life’s challenges.
Let’s see what signs and symptoms we need to look out for when struggling with mental health issues. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to seek help from a mental health professional:
1. Excessive worry or stress
If there are stressful thoughts in your mind and you find it hard to cope with or get rid of them, it might be better to seek help from counseling or a clinical psychologist.
2. Feeling sadder than usual
Have you ever had the feeling of your chest being heavy? Is your body warming up? Are your eyes tearing up all of a sudden? These all make up a feeling of being overwhelmed. And if these symptoms are constant, it would be best to talk to a mental health professional.
3. Problem sleeping
The proper amount of sleep is very important for a person. If certain thoughts keep you awake at night and make sleeping difficult, consider it another sign to seek professional help.
4. Irritability or anger
If everyone and everything is irritating you and you are regularly in a state of rage, it might take a mental toll on you. Snapping at the most minor things is a sign of struggling with mental health challenges. Before it gets any worse, it's advised to seek help from a mental health professional.
5. Loss of interest
Be it any hobby or interest that you have, if you don't find it being able to make you feel happy and better anymore, it is essential to ask for help.
6. Withdrawing from friends and family
You're being by yourself quite a lot, or you refuse to come out of your room or talk to your family or go out with your friends - this is social withdrawal. Humans are social animals so interaction is necessary for our survival. Hence, social withdrawal is a clear sign that the person needs professional help.
7. Having suicidal thoughts
Have you been experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm? If one is going through these thoughts, and are not able to control them on their own, it is required for them to see a mental health professional at the earliest.
If you or someone else is having suicidal thoughts at any point in time, you can call the given helpline number for quick response: iCALL - +91 9152987821
8. Not being able to perform simple daily activities
Things like getting out of bed, doing homework, and meeting with friends start feeling like a burden to you; this tells that you are not able to carry out the daily and normal activities.
9. Extreme mood swings
From being sad one moment to suddenly being happy without any reason, or being angry, hyperactive, etc. This up and down in your moods is a big sign that you are struggling with mental health issues.
10. Substance Abuse
Consuming drugs and alcohol to avoid your problems might not be the best way to get rid of them. Addiction to these substances and abusing them can worsen your condition, hence, it is required to seek help for the same.
Except in these cases, anyone, at any point in time without feeling anything overwhelming can consider therapy. There need not be a definite reason to do so. But if you or someone you know wants to seek help for mental health issues, these are some of the signs you need to look out for and seek help as soon as possible from a mental health professional. Asking for help is a sign of strength, always remember that.
Written by: Navya Singh(BA Psychology - FY, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda)
Proofread by: Rubal Prajapati (Counseling Psychologist and Ph.D. Scholar at Bharathiar University)