5 Mental Health Symptoms You Should Stop Ignoring

This is a collaborative post.

How we think and talk about mental illness has come a long way over the past few decades. While we can’t say the stigma has been eliminated, it has been significantly lessened and we’re becoming more aware of the things that can lead to the development of mental health issues, as well as the signs and symptoms that can indicate these.

However, there are a lot of people who will still try to normalise emotional and mental health symptoms that could be a sign of something much deeper going on. Here, we will look at some of those symptoms, and why you should start paying attention to them.

5 Mental Health Symptoms You Should Stop Ignoring

1. Feeling stressed and anxious

Stress and anxiety disorders are very common, but there are a lot of people still walking around with them entirely undiagnosed. Stress is a factor in everyone’s lives, but if you find that your fight or flight response kicks in often, or you have been dealing with stress for a long time, it’s worth seeking help and treatment.

2. Withdrawing from people

If you find yourself withdrawing from social interaction or avoiding people, even friends and family that you love, and later feeling bad about it, it’s likely not just a matter of preference for ‘me time’. Looking to spend more and more time alone can be a symptom of bipolar disorder and/or depression, especially if you already spend a lot of time alone. What’s more, not treating it can affect your long-term relationships, leading to further isolation down the road.

3. Having trouble focusing

If you’re feeling like you have trouble staying focused and organized, it can occasionally be down to environmental factors like a distraction. However, while a more common diagnosis in children, adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is largely underdiagnosed in adults. ADHD testing for adults may help to explain the trouble you have with focusing. Once diagnosed, you can start looking at solutions that can improve your quality of life and your ability to maintain your responsibilities and relationships.

4. Sleep troubles

Our sleep patterns and mental health are very linked. Aside from the fact that sleep is necessary for a healthy and balanced life, sleeping too much or too little could be a sign of chronic issues with stress, depression, and a host of other mental health disorders. Keep track of your sleep. If it’s not looking right, there are likely to be underlying issues.

5. Negative self-talk

We can all get down on ourselves when we mess up or are feeling low. However, if your inner voice is persistently negative, it is most likely related to some manner of mental health condition, especially if it drives you to the point of self-harm or destructive behaviours. If you’re experiencing guilt or feelings of worthlessness, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible to avoid a mental health crisis. Always remember that these feelings are not objective statements about yourself.

Are you experiencing any of these mental health symptoms?

If you’re experiencing any of the mental health symptoms above, it’s time to stop and see if you can get some help or a diagnosis for them. Get in touch with a healthcare professional or a counsellor, or begin by talking to a trusted family member or friend. There’s nothing to lose and you might get some answers as well as some much-needed support.