In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and neglect our mental well-being. Just like our physical health, our mental health requires attention and care. Recognizing the signs that indicate a need for a mental health check-in is crucial for overall well-being. Here are eight signs to watch for:
- Persistent Fatigue and Low Energy: Feeling tired is normal after a long day, but persistent fatigue that interferes with daily activities could signal a mental health issue. Chronic stress and mental health conditions can disrupt sleep patterns and energy levels, leading to exhaustion.1
- Changes in Sleep Patterns: Noticeable changes in sleep, whether it’s sleeping too much or too little, are often linked to mental health struggles.2 Insomnia is a common symptom of anxiety disorders, while oversleeping can be associated with depression.2
- Increased Irritability or Mood Swings: Everyone experiences mood fluctuations, but frequent or intense irritability, anger, or significant mood swings can be a sign of underlying mental health challenges.3
- Social Withdrawal: A sudden or gradual withdrawal from social activities and relationships can indicate a decline in mental health.4 When struggling, people may isolate themselves from friends and family.4
- Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things can be a sign that your mental health needs attention.5 Mental health conditions can impair cognitive function, making it hard to concentrate on tasks.5
- Unexplained Physical Symptoms: Mental health and physical health are interconnected. Unexplained headaches, stomachaches, or chronic pain can sometimes be related to stress, anxiety, or depression.6
- Changes in Appetite or Weight: Significant changes in appetite, leading to weight gain or loss, can be associated with mental health conditions.7 Some people may overeat as a coping mechanism, while others lose their appetite due to stress or sadness.7
- Loss of Interest in Hobbies: A noticeable decline in interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy is a key indicator of a potential mental health issue, particularly depression.8
It’s important to remember that experiencing one or more of these signs doesn’t automatically mean you have a mental health condition. However, if these signs persist or significantly impact your daily life, seeking professional help is recommended. Prioritizing your mental health is an act of self-care and can lead to a happier, healthier life.
References
- Williams, D. R., & Sternthal, M. (2010). Understanding racial-ethnic disparities in health: sociological contributions. Journal of health and social behavior, 51 Suppl(Suppl), S15–S27. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022146510383838
- Riemann, D., Krone, L. B., Wulff, K., & Nissen, C. (2020). Sleep, insomnia, and depression. Neuropsychopharmacology: official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 45(1), 74–89. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-019-0411-y
- Fernandez, K. C., Jazaieri, H., & Gross, J. J. (2016). Emotion Regulation: A Transdiagnostic Perspective on a New RDoC Domain. Cognitive therapy and research, 40(3), 426–440. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-016-9772-2
- Bartley, M. M., St Sauver, J. L., Schroeder, D. R., Khera, N., & Griffin, J. M. (2024). Social Isolation and Healthcare Utilization in Older Adults Living With Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment in the United States. Innovation in aging, 8(10), igae081. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igae081
- Murphy, F. C., Smith, K. A., Cowen, P. J., Robbins, T. W., & Sahakian, B. J. (2002). The effects of tryptophan depletion on cognitive and affective processing in healthy volunteers. Psychopharmacology, 163(1), 42–53. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-002-1128-9
- Drossman D. A. (2016). Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: History, Pathophysiology, Clinical Features and Rome IV. Gastroenterology, S0016-5085(16)00223-7. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2016.02.032
- Lee, M. I., & Miltenberger, R. G. (1997). Functional assessment and binge eating. A review of the literature and suggestions for future research. Behavior modification, 21(2), 159–171. https://doi.org/10.1177/01454455970212002
- Karrouri, R., Hammani, Z., Benjelloun, R., & Otheman, Y. (2021). Major depressive disorder: Validated treatments and future challenges. World journal of clinical cases, 9(31), 9350–9367. https://doi.org/10.12998/wjcc.v9.i31.9350
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