Mental health awareness has increased a lot in the last few years, and more people are getting the help that they need. But there are still people that don’t seek treatment because they are worried about the stigma that is attached to mental health problems. There are also a lot of people that don’t get treatment because they don’t realize that they have a mental health issue in the first place. Often, it’s easier to spot problems in other people but we miss the same issues in ourselves, so it’s important that you watch out for some of the tell-tale signs. These are some of the main signs that you may have a mental health problem.
Feeling Low
The most obvious symptom of mental health issues is feeling low, but it can easily go unnoticed. There is a difference between feeling upset about something and having clinical depression, but the two can blur into one another quite easily. Often people just put it down to having a bad time at work or something, and they don’t realize that they actually have a mental health issue. After a while, people get used to feeling like that and it just becomes their normal. It’s important that you are aware of your own mood and you think about whether you are constantly feeling like this. If you are, you may have a mental health issue.
Substance Abuse Problems
Substance abuse is often used as a coping mechanism in people that have mental health issues but they don’t always realize. The two problems go hand in hand and the best way to treat either problem is by treating both problems together. This is known as dual diagnosis. If you do a search for dual diagnosis treatment centers near me, you can find a facility that can help. You should consider your own alcohol or substance use and think about whether it could be a symptom of a serious mental health issue.
Withdrawing From Social Situations
It’s very common for people that have a mental health issue to withdraw from social situations, especially if they are living with an anxiety disorder. Social situations become difficult for people with anxiety and can make their symptoms a lot worse, so they eventually start withdrawing and turning down invitations to social events. The problem is, isolating yourself makes your mental health issues a lot worse, so it’s important that you try to engage with your friends and family as much as you can.
Changes In Weight
Changes in your weight are very common if you are suffering from a mental health issue. A lot of people end up using food as a coping mechanism when they have a mental health problem. If this comfort eating becomes a regular occurrence, you may notice a rapid change in your weight. Some people also stop eating properly because they don’t have the energy to cook decent meals, so weight loss can occur as well. If you notice any big changes in your weight, that could be a sign that you have a mental health issue.
If you start to notice any of these symptoms, it’s important that you seek help for your mental health issues right away.