Experiencing loss, grief, as well as any depressing thoughts happens even to the best of us, trust us. It is common to feel a bit down and lost from time to time, but it is also vital to understand the difference between feeling down and between showing the first signs of mental illness. Both men and women are equally susceptible to mental issues, and both can have hard times getting help or feeling as if they are in a safe spot to open up and talk to someone. Keep on reading and see what is it that you should always be aware of when it comes to your mental health.
8 Early Warning Signs of Mental Illness You Should Not Ignore
1. You have intense and often mood swings
Are you dealing with often mood wings? They are more often than not a sign of something deep in terms of your mental wellbeing, than just pure randomness. We can experience loads of different emotions on a daily, such as love, hate, joy, as well as sadness – it all truly depends on a given moment. However, having drastic and depressing mood switches and experiencing mood swings can indicate bipolar disorder. If you get to experience different emotions often without any reason whatsoever, such as a feeling of anger or sadness, make sure to keep it under control and in check.
2. You are feeling quite anxious
Feeling worried about every minor thing? And you are not too sure how to switch off this little tick in your head? A lot of mental organizations believe that anxiety will manifest through insomnia, headaches, quick thoughts, as well as easy irritation. People who end up experiencing any of these emotions on a daily basis and for a longer period (around 5 months) will need professional help. Anxiety is quite common, and it may feel like the mildest issue and the smallest symptom during your current situation. However, do not look past it.
3. Sadness that lasts
People can experience sadness quite often, and most of us do feel it, either way, no matter the situation and if we are extremely depressed or just sad. However, experiencing sadness on a daily for 7-14 days straight will indicate signs of depression or bigger mental and health issues. Sadness is more common in women since they are not afraid of showing their true feelings, while guys will be shy about their actions and deeper emotions at first. Connect with yourself on a deeper level, and be honest with your thoughts.
4. Feeling angry and having an anger outburst
Anger is quite common, but unexplainable signs of deep anger and rage will come to play only if you are mentally at unease or if you are dealing with high-stress situations. Do you have episodes of random traumatic experiences that just flash by your eyes? Maybe you are also dealing with alcohol abuse, bipolar disorder, depression, as well as OCD? Your anger should be under control, and keep it in check from time to time. Men are often dealing with more angry outbursts than women, and they are more likely to act violent near their loved ones, uncontrollably.
5. You are dealing with a lot of stress during everyday situations
Having bad days and feeling like you are stuck or in a loophole is more common than you’d think. A rough patch may feel like something that you can’t control, and as if the entire world is against you. Not having the strength to deal with or come out of the everyday situation for 2 weeks will indicate that you are dealing with anxiety or even depression. Normal situations can seem like an everyday struggle, so keep yourself in place.
6. The sleeping schedule is rough
Not having a sleeping schedule or even consistent hours will make you lost, angry, and it will indicate that you are dealing with a lot. However, around 19% of the population has issues and troubles with their sleeping schedule. This issue will indicate that you are 2–3 times more likely and common to have issues with ADHD, depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorders.
7. You don’t want to be around people
Spending time alone is not necessarily a bad thing, but doing it over and over again might raise a red flag. If you have to recharge your social battery for 1-2 days, this is pretty normal. However, making excuses and hoping not to see other people will let others know that you are unstable at the moment. If you are avoiding larger meetings, gatherings, you don’t want to be around other people, and you feel as if you have anger or depression along with it, make yourself think twice!
8. Self-harm thoughts or suicide
Last, but not least, this is the most important factor that you should reconsider and understand fully! Mental health organizations believe that 10% of people who are under the age of 30 have done some sort of self-harm at one point. Dealing with a loss or any type of trauma will make you think that there is no exit in your current situation. Studies have shown that over 90% of all people who have completed suicide were suffering from one form of mental issues and a mental illness.
You can get help
It is important to know that you can always get help and that you can feel safe and protected from the world! The most important part is having someone to talk to, which is why you can get help at BetterHelp! They have answers to all of your questions, as well as loads of different articles on how to combat mental illness, how to deal with grief, eating disorders, as well as domestic violence! Anyone will benefit from their articles, counselors, as well as psychiatry help!
If you are feeling lost and you don’t know who to call or where to turn to, give them a go!
