Mental health issues are something many people will experience at some point in life.
According to Mind UK, one in four people experience a mental health problem every year in England, and one in six experience things like anxiety or depression in any given week. In other words, it’s more common than you think. However, knowing that doesn’t make it any easier to admit to yourself or other people when you find yourself struggling. Still, by ignoring any of these red flags, you only prolong your suffering and potentially make it worse. If you’re having a tough time, don’t brush it under the carpet. Speak to your GP, a mental health professional, or in a pinch, give Samaritans a call 24/7 at 116 123.
1. You’re constantly exhausted, no matter how much you sleep.
Feeling constantly drained, even after a good night’s sleep, is a major red flag. Your body and mind might be overloaded with stress or emotional baggage. Ignoring this could lead to burnout, and it’s a clear sign that your mental health needs attention. It’s important to check in with yourself and ask whether something deeper is going on.
2. You isolate yourself from other people, even ones you really care about.
Withdrawing from social interactions, even with people you care about, is often a sign of mental health struggles. Whether it’s because you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, isolation can worsen your emotional state. While everyone needs alone time, persistent isolation could indicate a deeper issue that you should address before it leads to further distress.
3. You find it hard to concentrate or make decisions.
If your brain feels foggy, and you struggle to focus on tasks, or making decisions feels like an impossible task, it’s a sign of stress or mental exhaustion. Your mind may be overloaded with thoughts or emotions that prevent you from thinking clearly. This lack of focus is often linked to anxiety or depression, and addressing it sooner can prevent it from affecting your daily life.
4. You feel hopeless or like nothing will get better.
A sense of hopelessness or thinking that nothing will ever improve is a serious red flag. These feelings are often linked to depression or anxiety disorders. It’s easy to slip into a negative mindset, but it’s crucial to challenge these thoughts. Recognising them early is important for getting support and making changes that can improve your mental health.
5. You’re constantly irritable or angry.
While everyone has moments of irritability, being persistently angry or agitated is a sign that something isn’t right. Chronic irritability often comes from underlying issues like stress, frustration, or anxiety. If you’re snapping at people or feeling constantly on edge, it’s a red flag that your mental health needs a check-in.
6. You’re turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
When stress or difficult emotions hit, it’s easy to turn to unhealthy habits like drinking, smoking, overeating, or even avoiding problems entirely. These short-term solutions can seem comforting, but only mask the root issues. If you find yourself relying on these behaviours more often, it’s time to have a closer look at how you’re coping with your emotions.
7. You’re not taking care of yourself like you used to.
Ignoring basic self-care tasks like eating well, getting enough sleep, or maintaining personal hygiene can be a sign of mental health struggles. When you’re feeling overwhelmed or down, taking care of your physical health can easily take a back seat. If you’re finding it harder to motivate yourself to care for your body, it may be time to address your mental health.
8. You feel numb or disconnected from reality.
If you’re experiencing a sense of detachment from the world or feeling emotionally numb, it’s often a sign of emotional overload. This can happen when you’re suppressing feelings or experiencing anxiety or depression, and that level of disconnection can affect your ability to feel joy or even engage in daily activities. It’s important to acknowledge how you’re feeling and reach out for support.
9. Your sleep patterns are out of whack.
Struggling to fall asleep, waking up multiple times throughout the night, or sleeping excessively can all be signs that your mental health is out of balance. Poor sleep can contribute to feelings of anxiety or depression, and vice versa. Addressing your sleep patterns and understanding their connection to your mental health can help restore balance in both areas.
10. You’re ignoring your physical health problems.
Your physical and mental health are closely linked. If you’re ignoring aches, pains, or other physical symptoms that seem to be connected to stress or emotional difficulties, you could be missing a key sign that something is wrong. Unresolved physical issues can exacerbate mental health struggles, making it harder to feel your best.
11. You constantly compare yourself to other people (and not in a nice way).
Constantly comparing yourself to other people, especially on social media, can be draining and harmful to your self-esteem. If you find yourself feeling inadequate or like you’re falling behind because of these comparisons, it could be a sign that your mental health is taking a hit. Focusing on your own growth and achievements is key to combatting such a negative cycle.
12. You avoid responsibilities and tasks you once enjoyed.
A lack of motivation to engage in tasks you once found fulfilling or enjoyable can be a clear indicator of mental health struggles. Whether it’s work, hobbies, or social obligations, avoiding responsibilities can stem from depression or anxiety. Reaching out for help and understanding the root cause can help you regain a sense of purpose and joy.
13. You feel like you’re losing control over your emotions.
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by emotions that seem out of your control—whether it’s sadness, anger, or anxiety—this is an immediate red flag. Mental health issues can make it harder to regulate emotions, leading to intense outbursts or emotional shutdowns. Acknowledging that you’re feeling this way and taking steps to manage these emotions is crucial for maintaining your well-being.
