Major Signs You May Need Mental Health Care: A Family's Guide

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If you're like many other people, you undoubtedly find it difficult to discuss mental illness because of the stigma that surrounds it, which is exacerbated by the media.

However, mental health issues are considerably more common than you may think; in fact, about one in every five people in the United States suffers from a mental illness. The average American has a 47.4% chance of developing some form of mental health problem throughout his or her lifetime.

There is no need to feel ashamed. Receiving mental health treatment may help you live a happier and healthier life. In this article, as per Sherief Abu-Moustafa, we will go over the significant signs that indicate you should seek mental health help, especially if they are still there after around two weeks.

• You No Longer Enjoy the Activities You Used To

If you are a passionate runner and the thought of lacing on your trainers no longer appeals to you, you should pay attention to see whether this feeling will remain. Clinically, this illness is known as anhedonia, which refers to an inability to enjoy what is typically viewed as fun activities.

• You Spend All of Your Time Sleeping

Changes in your sleep habits may be one of the most striking symptoms that something is wrong with your mental health, whether you are sleeping too much or not enough. Regardless of the source, you should be aware of any changes in your normal sleeping pattern.

• You Experience a Change in Your Appetite

Depression and anxiety may have a variety of effects on the quantity of food you eat. Some individuals lose their appetite because of anxiety and stress since they are either not hungry or do not have the energy to eat. Consuming huge amounts of food at once may give some individuals a brief respite from their depressing thoughts and feelings. If you see that you are overeating or undereating to the point that you have dramatic weight changes in a short period, it may be time to seek mental health care.

• You Avoid Friends and Family

Withdrawing from ordinary social activities and breaking off normal social contact is one of the indications of mental health problems. Individuals who show care for us in our everyday lives make a substantial contribution to the overall quality of our lives. They are the components that comprise a person's support system. Someone suffering from mental illness may isolate themselves from their support network for several reasons.

Someone sad may be too fatigued or hopeless to engage in social activities. Anxiety sufferers may have panic attacks that restrict them from leaving the house. A person with bipolar disorder may display unpredictable behavior because they are experiencing a depressed low or a manic high, both of which are associated with heightened emotions.

• You Look Up Your Symptoms Online

You are aware that something is not quite right, and as a result, you are investigating possible explanations and treatments, but you must consider if this is the appropriate place to search. Both psychiatry and psychology are not exact fields, and establishing a diagnosis requires more than just ticking a few boxes. Rather than typing your inquiries into a search engine and hoping for the best results, why not speak with a real person who is qualified to help you? A mental health professional can help you understand the causes of your difficulties and will work with you to discover solutions to those issues. It is a challenging treatment that involves time, patience, and finding the right doctor, but the results are well worth the effort.

• You Are Easily Irritated

Irritability is often regarded as unimportant. It may be challenging for you to be compassionate or patient with individuals you care about, or both. If you like helping others but find that your energy is spent, or if you are always irritated, fighting, blaming others, or lacking empathy for others, these are all signals that you may want further support.

• Physical Symptoms Are Worsening

Anxiety and depression have both been related to several bodily symptoms, such as increased perspiration, a racing heart rate, dizziness, digestive problems, and headaches. If you seem to have developed physical difficulties without any other evident medical reason, this might be an indicator that your mental health is worsening.

Seeking Counseling

Receiving treatment may assist both the individual suffering from mental illness and other members of the family. A mental health professional may provide coping skills and help you have a better understanding of the whole case.

When looking for a therapist, it is vital to be patient and talk with a variety of professionals so that you may find the best match for you and your family. It may take some time until you feel at peace, but in the long run, you will be grateful that you sought help.