Over the last few months, have you felt like your usual self? How can you tell the difference between having a bad mood and struggling with something more serious? Knowing the early signs of mental health issues can significantly help you deal with the problems at hand.
There is a wide range of conditions that are covered by mental health issues. These conditions include mood and behavior disorders and changes in thinking patterns. By finding out whether you are struggling with any of these issues, you can seek mental health treatment.
To help you, we’ve gathered some of the telltale signs of mental health disorders. If you’re battling mental health conditions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Willows at Red Oak today at 855.773.0614.
Feeling Unhappy and Depressed
Have you noticed that you’ve lost interest in the activities you used to love? Depression is characterized by a lack of energy and motivation. If you can relate to this feeling and seem irritable and sad over the last few weeks, you may want to check with a medical professional to determine whether mental health treatment can help.
Feeling Anxious
It’s normal to get stressed from time to time, but constant anxiety is one of the most definite signs of a mental health issue. Other symptoms you should watch out for include:
- Restlessness
- Diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
- Headache
Outbursts of Emotion
There’s nothing wrong with mood changes. But if you’re having dramatic and sudden changes in your mood, this is something that should worry you since it can be a sign of mental health disorders. For example, you may be feeling ecstatic one minute, and intense anger and distress the next.
Sleep Problems
Generally, people need to have at least 7 hours of sleep every night. When someone experiences mental health problems, they may face abrupt changes in their sleep pattern. For instance, insomnia can be a sign of substance abuse or anxiety. Aside from these, sleeping too little or too much is also a sign of depression.
Substance Abuse
If you are drinking too much alcohol or taking various drugs, it may be because you are looking for a way to cope. However, all of these vices will worsen your condition. Try to stop these damaging behaviors by seeking mental health treatment.
Feeling Worthless
If you always think that you’re worthless or you’ve become a failure, it’s a clear symptom of depression. Continually blaming or criticizing yourself will only bring negativity to your life, and this could even lead to hurting yourself. If not stopped, you may be at risk of becoming suicidal.
Being Withdrawn
Having alone time is essential in maintaining your sanity. But if you’re noticing yourself withdrawing from your loved ones and refusing to join all social activities, these are signs of a mental health issue. Isolating yourself may also indicate depression or bipolar disorder.
Appetite Changes
Mental issues, such as eating disorders, can impact one’s appetite. Try to examine if your weight is fluctuating or if you are experiencing rapid weight loss since these two are critical indicators of the onset of mental health disorders.
Decreased Functioning
An unusual decrease in your ability to function appropriately at school, work, social activities, and sports is something you should be aware of if you think you’re battling a mental health condition. This decrease includes having difficulty performing tasks you’ve already done before. You may also be facing problems with memory, logical thought, concentration, and speech.
The Willows Can Help You Take Care of Your Mental Health
Having just one or two of the symptoms above does not equate to having problems with your mental health. But this fact may indicate that you need professional evaluation. At the Willows at Red Oak, we can provide treatment for a variety of mental health disorders, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- PTSD
- Disordered eating
Contact The Willows at Red Oak at 855.773.0614 for more information today.
