Mental health struggles aren’t always obvious, and sometimes the signs of decline can creep up on you out of nowhere.
If you’ve been feeling “off” lately, it might be more than a phase. Sure, we all go through times of feeling a bit “blah,” but those periods tend to pass pretty quickly. If you’ve got an overriding feeling of sadness, anxiety, or even apathy, you may be struggling more than you’d like to admit. See how many of these experiences resonate with you — if more than a few, your mental health might need a bit of attention and care.
1. You’re tired all the time, no matter how much you sleep.
Even if you’re getting your usual amount of sleep, you just can’t shake that feeling of being drained. This isn’t just about feeling physically tired—it’s mental and emotional fatigue that makes even getting out of bed feel like a challenge. Simple tasks start to feel like a big ask, and no matter how much rest you get, you’re still feeling wiped out. If this sounds familiar, it could be a sign that your mental health is running low.
2. You’ve lost interest in things that used to make you happy.
Whether it’s hanging out with friends, your favourite hobbies, or even things you used to do for fun, everything seems dull or uninteresting now. That excitement you once felt about these activities just isn’t there. When you feel disconnected from the things that once brought you joy, it could be your mind telling you it needs some attention.
3. Your sleep patterns have changed in a major way.
You’re either not sleeping enough, or you’re sleeping way too much, and neither is helping you feel better. Maybe you’re tossing and turning at night or waking up constantly, or perhaps you’re sleeping through the whole day and still feel exhausted. Your sleep patterns can tell you a lot about your mental state, so if things have drastically changed, it’s time to take a step back and think about what might be going on.
4. You’re getting irritated way more than usual.
Little things that used to roll off your back now feel like they’re driving you up the wall. You might find yourself snapping at people or feeling angry for no reason at all. If you’re feeling irritable or on edge more than usual, it could be a sign that stress or emotional exhaustion is building up inside.
5. You’d rather be on your own than with other people.
Spending time with friends or family doesn’t feel like fun anymore—it feels like a chore. You might cancel plans, avoid socialising, or just withdraw into your own space. While everyone needs a bit of solitude now and then, if you’re isolating yourself regularly, it could be a sign that something deeper is going on.
6. You’re struggling to concentrate or make decisions.
Decisions that were once easy are now overwhelming. Whether it’s picking what to have for dinner or trying to focus at work, your brain just doesn’t seem to be able to settle. Everything feels foggy, and you’re getting frustrated with yourself. If simple tasks are starting to feel impossible, your mind might be telling you it needs a break.
7. You feel emotionally numb or detached.
Life might start to feel like you’re just going through the motions. You don’t really feel happy or sad—just kind of “meh.” This emotional numbness can make you feel disconnected from everything, and while it’s normal to feel down occasionally, if you’re stuck in this emotional limbo, it could point to something more serious.
8. Your moods are all over the place.
One minute you’re fine, and the next, you’re overwhelmed or tearful. These sudden shifts in how you’re feeling can be exhausting and confusing. If your emotions feel out of control or are changing rapidly without explanation, it’s definitely worth checking in with yourself to see if your mental health needs some attention.
9. You’ve started leaning on unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Maybe you’ve been drinking more than usual, snacking endlessly, or shopping to distract yourself from how you’re feeling. These quick fixes may feel good in the moment, but they don’t actually solve the problem. In fact, they can make things worse in the long run. If you notice you’re turning to unhealthy habits to cope, it might be time to find healthier ways to deal with what’s going on.
10. You feel overwhelmed by the smallest tasks.
Things that used to feel easy—like answering emails or doing the dishes—now seem impossible. Everyday responsibilities build up, and you just can’t seem to tackle them. This feeling of being buried under the smallest of tasks can create a vicious cycle, leaving you feeling stuck and guilty. It’s a sure sign that your mental health might need a little extra care.
11. You’re feeling more anxious or on edge.
If your mind is constantly racing, or you’re worried about things that aren’t even happening, anxiety could be creeping in. Your body might feel tense, and you might notice your heart racing for no reason. When anxiety takes over, it can be tough to find calm, and it can start affecting your daily life. If this is happening a lot, it’s time to pay attention to what’s going on inside.
12. You’re getting a lot more headaches or stomach issues.
Mental health issues can show up physically too. You might be getting regular headaches, stomach aches, or unexplained muscle pain. These physical symptoms are often linked to stress, anxiety, or emotional distress. If doctors have ruled out any medical causes, it might be time to have a closer look at what’s going on with your mental health.
13. You feel like you’re failing at everything.
You might feel like, no matter what you do, it’s just not enough. Negative self-talk gets louder, and your confidence takes a hit. You’re not sure where it’s coming from, but everything feels like a struggle. This sense of inadequacy can eat away at your motivation, making it harder to move forward.
14. You’re more tearful or sensitive than usual.
Small things that wouldn’t normally bother you now make you want to cry or get upset. Your emotions feel bigger and harder to control, even over the tiniest of setbacks. This sensitivity can leave you feeling drained and unsure of how to get back to a more balanced emotional place.
15. You’re feeling hopeless about the future.
When you can’t see a way forward or feel like things will never get better, it’s a sign that something’s weighing heavily on you. A sense of hopelessness makes everything feel pointless and drains your energy. If you’re feeling stuck in this mindset, it’s time to take a step back and get the support you need.
