What are the signs of having a mental health problem?
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act when we face life.
It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Mental health is essential in all stages of life, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood and old age.
Mental illnesses are severe conditions that can affect your thinking, mood, and behavior. They can be occasional or long-lasting. They can affect your ability to relate to others and function each day. Mental problems are common; more than half of all Americans will be diagnosed with a mental disorder at some point. However, there are treatments available. People with mental health disorders can improve, and many fully recover.
sign of a mental health disorder man reaching for whiskey ice alcoholic cocktail while sitting on a comfy lounge chair
Mental health is essential because it can help you:
- Coping with the stress of life
- Be physically healthy
- Have healthy relationships
- Make a significant contribution to your community
- Work productively
- Reach your full potential
- Mental health is essential because it can affect our physical health.
signs mental health problems portrait reflection beach summer young woman beautiful woman feeling authentic woman beach portrait
Many different factors can affect your mental health, including:
- Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
- Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
- Family history of mental health problems
- Your lifestyles, such as diet, physical activity, and substance use
- You can also improve your mental health through meditation, relaxation techniques, and being thankful.
Over time, your mental health can change.
For example, you may be dealing with a difficult situation, such as managing a chronic illness, caring for a sick relative, having money problems, or dealing with grief. The condition can exhaust you and overwhelm your ability to deal with it. This can make your mental health worse no matter your gender. On the other hand, receiving therapy can improve it.
signs of mental health disorders, women wondering how to pay bills feeling the pressure of everyday life while working from home, getting
What are the signs of having a mental health problem?
Knowing what is expected and not regarding your emotions can be challenging. But mental health problems have warning signs, such as:
- Changes in your eating or sleeping habits
- Isolating yourself from the people and activities you enjoy
- Have little or no energy
- Feeling empty or as if nothing matters
- Have unexplained aches and pains
- Feeling helpless or hopeless
- Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
- Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, angry, upset, worried, or scared
- Have severe mood swings that cause problems in your relationships
- Having thoughts and memories that you can’t get out of your head
- Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
- Thinking about hurting yourself or others
- Not being able to do daily tasks like babysitting, going to work, or school
- lack of resilience or hope
If you think you may have a mental health problem, seek help. Talk therapy and medications can treat mental disorders. Even if you have a pet, such as a dog or other animal, which is positive for mental health, it might not be enough. Talk to your healthcare professional if you don’t know where to start.
By Tannia V.
- Are you depressed or suffering from excessive anxiety? Asking for help can be overwhelming. Let mental health professionals support your journey towards a quality life with sustainable tools and evidence-based know-how. At Refresh Recovery Mental Health Treatment San Diego we invite you to discuss your loved one’s health. Read here if you live in San Diego and wish to know more about community resources to support your mental health journey and its relationship with co-occurring substance abuse.
