8 Signs Someone is Battling Mental Health Problems
Do you know someone who often contemplates how they are feeling? Do they wonder why they are feeling a certain way?
Have you ever thought that perhaps it was because they were battling mental health problems?
In today’s article, I will shed light on 8 Signs Someone is Battling Mental Health Problems.
Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational purposes only. Do not use information in this or any other article to self-diagnose or diagnose other people. If you feel that you or someone close to you may possess some of the characteristics mentioned in this or any other article on our blog and need help then please, consult a licensed mental health professional. This article is not a substitute for professional advice, but for general guidance.
1. Fatigue or a loss of energy-
Depression and chronic fatigue syndrome are two illnesses that can leave you feeling drained even after a full night’s rest. It is quite possible to have both conditions at the same time. It is also easy to confuse exhaustion with depression, and vice versa.
Fatigue after strenuous activity is common however, constantly experiencing a loss of energy may be something that you should consult a professional about.
2. Greater desire to be alone-
Mental illnesses are characterized by extreme isolation, abandonment of friends and social networks, avoidance of friends and social events, and emotional detachment. For some people, being emotionally detached helps protect them from unwanted drama, anxiety, or stress.
For others, detachment isn’t always voluntary. Instead, it is the product of events that prevent the individual from being open and truthful about their feelings. A vague feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one’s surroundings; a sense of unreality.
3. Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities-
People who experience anhedonia (the inability to feel pleasure in normally pleasurable activities) lose interest in the activities that they used to enjoy and have a decreased ability to feel pleasure. It is a core symptom of major depressive disorder, but it can also be a symptom of other mental health disorders.
4. Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping)-
Sleep and mental health are closely related. Sleep deficiency affects your mental and emotional well-being. People with mental health problems are more likely to have insomnia or other sleep disorders. Excessive sleeping, sleeping too little, beyond usual fatigue, etc could be some signs that indicate mental health illnesses.
5. Sudden changes in mood from being joyful to being irritable, angry, and hostile-
The individual may have a medical condition if they regularly switch from extremely happy to extremely depressed. They should notify a doctor if they experience severe and regular mood swings. The professionals will talk about why you’re getting them and what could trigger them.
Extreme mood swings, such as uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria, as well as irritability, can be indicators of mental illness..
6. Repeated actions or checking things many times-
This could be something that a person is doing out of fear that something bad may happen. The individual may have obsessive thoughts that are not wanted. These feelings are often associated with fears, such as touching filthy things.
To cope with his or her fears, he or she engages in compulsive rituals such as repeatedly checking if the gas stove is off, constant hand washing, checking if the doors are locked, etc.
7. Significant changes in appetite–
Changes in your eating habits could be linked to different mental health problems. Although lack of appetite is a common symptom of most mental health disorders, feelings of depression or worthlessness may lead to overeating and emotional eating, which is a common occurrence in which the need to eat is unrelated to physical hunger. Eating is comforting to the person.
People with a deep fear of gaining weight or a preoccupation with their appearance may suffer from mental health issues where they reduce the amount of food they consume, overwork their body, etc.
8. Recurring thoughts of death or suicide-
Having suicidal thoughts is a hallmark symptom of major depression and depressive episodes in bipolar disorder and several other mental health disorders.
Suicidal ideation may be passive (frequently thinking about death but not acting on these thoughts) or aggressive (acting on these thoughts) (making plans to act on your suicidal thoughts).
If this feeling is experienced regularly, maybe it would help if the individual sought guidance from either a professional or support groups.
If a person is having several symptoms at the same time and the symptoms are interfering with his or her ability to evaluate, function, or connect to others, he or she should see a physician or mental health professional. Suicidal thoughts or intent, and thoughts of harming others, need immediate assistance.
Treatment is available for depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental disorders. If you’re struggling to deal with mental illness, remember that there are services available to you, such as online and in-person support groups. If you’re assisting a family member who is struggling with mental illnesses, there are also support groups for caregivers that can offer resources.
If you liked this article then you might want to check out our article on 12 Common Mental Health Warning Signs in Teens.
References;
Ranna Parekh, M.D., M.P.H. (July 2018) Warning Signs of Mental Illness. Retrieved May 07, 2021, from
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/warning-signs-of-mental-illness
Harvard Health Publishing (March 18, 2019) Sleep and mental health. Retrieved May 07, 2021, from
https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/sleep-and-mental-health
Ann Pietrangelo (Updated on October 22, 2019) Fatigue and Depression: Are They Connected? Retrieved May 07, 2021, from
https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/fatigue#an-unfortunate-connection
Chris Iliades, MD (Updated on September 10, 2012) Depression’s Effect on Your Appetite. Retrieved May 07, 2021, from
https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/major-depression/depressions-effect-on-appetite/
National Alliance on Mental Illnesses. Warning Signs and Symptoms. Retrieved May 07, 2021, from
https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms
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