8 Signs You May Need Additional Mental Health Support
We can all benefit from establishing routines that support our mental health. Knowing what sleep, exercise, nutrition, socialization, and other habits we need for overall wellness is important. Sometimes our regular routines are not enough. Recognizing early indicators that you may need additional support allows you to be proactive and prevent a mental health crisis.
Key signs you may need additional mental health support:
1. Strong reactions to small inconveniences
High levels of frustration or anger in response to what would normally be a minor disruption to your day, such as slow traffic due to a lane closure or an error in your coffee order, can be indicators of unusual irritability levels, especially if they are occurring more frequently.
2. Trouble sleeping
Most of us have trouble sleeping occasionally, however, significant changes in your sleep patterns for 2 weeks or more can be an early indicator your regular support routines are not enough. Trouble falling asleep, waking early, tossing and turning, or staying up late are signs we often ignore.
3. Lack of interest
A substantial decrease or lack of interest in hobbies, activities, or passions can be a sign you are not yourself. If you find yourself skipping activities you are normally excited about or not finding joy talking about the subjects you usually love, take note of whether this is becoming a pattern.
4. Excessive participation
Doing activities or behaviours in unusually high quantities can also be a mental health indicator, such as going running for hours when half an hour is usually your limit or staying up all night playing video games, can be a sign that your regular coping strategies are not sufficient.
5. Looking for excuses
If looking for excuses to miss work, family, or friend commitments is increasing in frequency, this factor can be an early indication of burnout, compassion fatigue, depression, or other mental health conditions.
6. Sudden body changes
Significant increases or decreases in weight, hair loss, changes in the skin texture, increased frequency of heartburn or nausea, and other changes in the body occurring over a short period of time warrant further investigation.
7. Using substances or food to cope
Are you are using alcohol, drugs, or food to cope with strong emotions or stressful situations on a regular basis? This may be a new response or a long term habit. Either way, seeking support to create new coping responses can benefit your health and wellness.
8. Concern from family of friends
Those close to us often notice changes in our mood or behaviour before we notice ourselves. If friends and family are repeatedly voicing concern and asking if you are okay, if instead of brushing off their queries with an “I’m fine”, ask them what changes they have noticed. We all have bad days, however, when these bad days last for 2 weeks or longer, you may require additional support.
These are some of the indicators your regular routines are not providing enough support. Early recognition of the signs that signal we need to widen our support system, can help us be proactive with our overall wellbeing. Consulting a mental health professional can help you identify what routine modifications or additional supports you require. Book an appointment with Tonia Anderson Psychology to gain additional mental health support from a trained professional.