Everyone has days where they don't quite feel like themselves. A restless night can lead to sluggishness and frustration the next morning, the onsite of the common cold could leave you feeling groggy, or even a disagreement can put you in a bad mood. In most cases, a little rest, time, and/or some TLC, can get you back to your usual self. Unfortunately, sometimes it's not that easy. When your behavior, mood, or physical health remain out of sorts for days or weeks at a time, it could be a sign that it's something more serious.
Deciphering the difference between a bad day and mental health problems isn't always easy. Feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed on occasion is expected as life is unpredictable and at times difficult to navigate. Knowing when you're on the brink of a nervous breakdown or in serious need of medical assistance, can only be done by paying attention to these physical, mental, and behavioral signs:
Emotional OutburstsIt's okay to feel emotional on occasion. But if you notice dramatic changes in your moods, this is a sign that something is going on internally. If you suddenly find yourself crying uncontrollably, lashing out for no reason, or feeling intensely frustrated by everything and everyone, you're experiencing an emotional outburst. Your mind is sending you signals that it's in overdrive.
Withdraw or IsolationIf you begin to slowly check out on life, your mental health could be in trouble. Some alone time is healthy for everyone, but when you prefer being isolated in your home or room and neglect things of importance and interests, this is a problem. Isolation and withdraw are signs of mental illnesses like depression.
Substance AbuseYou had a bad day at work, so you come home and drink a few glasses of wine. You've just had an argument with your spouse, and your solution is to smoke a joint to calm your nerves. Using substances like drugs and alcohol to cope with overwhelming feelings or experiences is a practice that many fall prey to. Such dependencies offer temporary relief or numbness from your emotions, but essentially escalate problems and could lead to addiction. This is a serious problem that shouldn't be put off. Seeking help from an inpatient or drug program is advised right away.
Changes in AppetiteDo you find it difficult to eat? Perhaps all you can think about is eating? In either circumstance, changes in appetite can be a telling sign that your mental health is declining. Your mind has become so consumed with whatever is going on that you've either started using food as a coping mechanism or you've suppressed your appetite.
Irregular Sleeping PatternsSleeping too much or too little are both warning signs that there's a lot going on in your mind. The inability to get or stay asleep is categorized as insomnia and is one of the leading of Sleeping for hours on in and still feeling exhausted after, on the other hand, is a sign that you're dealing with depression.
Personal IssuesWhen you're not in your right mind it can impact every area of your life. If you've been experiencing symptoms such as those described above, there is a high possibility that it is causing personal issues. You may neglect your parental responsibilities, lose interest in your relationship, be at odds with family members, and even start performing poorly in the workplace.
Good mental health really is everything. It is only with a healthy and sound mind that you can maintain a healthy body and positive Though it's normal to have a bad day or two, if you've noticed the changes listed above in your life for weeks or months at a time there's something serious going on internally. Getting help from friends and family, your doctor, a therapist, and even a drug rehab facility can make getting through it easier.
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