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11 Strong Signs of Bad Mental Health and When to Seek Help

Aayushi Bagga

August 22, 2022

10 min read

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Mental health is essential, and we talk a lot about the need to take care of our mental health and the different ways one can do it. It is undoubtedly an integral part of our lives, and we need mental health assistance at some point in our lives. But when exactly do you need the intervention of a mental health professional? How can you recognize that you need mental health care? And most importantly, do only those who suffer from an illness or problem go to a professional?

I am sure all of us have many more questions about Mental Health and need a therapist. So let us now look at if we need to go to a mental health professional?

Signs to look out for -

  • Feeling of extreme emotions like sadness, despair, etc
  • Constant pessimistic thinking
  • Low self-esteem issues
  • Being angry a lot
  • Feelings of loneliness and isolation
  • Worrying a lot about the future or past
  • Being tense or worried
  • Feeling overwhelmed and suffocated
  • Always looking over your shoulder
  • Being irritable or cranky a lot
  • Feeling anxious, very sad, depressed mood

So, when to seek help?

Overload of emotions

There are times when you have to deal with a lot of emotions. It is a natural part of life, but it is not correct when they are out of control and make you feel overwhelmed. The feelings and thoughts that seem to bother you and make you uncomfortable for a long time and you cannot get a hold of it might be a sign. When you experience such emotions that seem a lot to handle, you can try seeking help from a professional.

After significant negative events

Some situations in life are too overbearing and might be too difficult to handle. For example, certain negative events, which include but are not limited to loss of a relationship, a bad breakup, loss of a job, suffering from chronic pain and illness, and divorce, can be too much for a person. These situations could lead to stress/anxiety o depression. In these cases, try seeking help from a professional or reaching out to someone you trust and seek support.

Substance Abuse and addiction

A substance such as alcohol or cigarette might give you pleasure, but they rob you of your health both your mental and physical health. In other cases, unhealthy habits and abuse of drugs, and some eating disorders can go out of hand and overwhelm you. When these substances turn into something that cannot be controlled, then it turns into an addiction and makes it difficult to cope. Try to seek help and services like rehabilitation centers, counseling services, and therapies in those cases.

Genetic prone disorders -

Some individuals are more prone to illnesses and disorders thanks to their genetic predisposition. For example, they might be more sensitive to specific mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and the probability of facing them. If you are aware that you might be susceptible to such genetic predisposition, then keep looking for signs. Signs that might seem not too alarming but form a pattern or occur frequently. If they are, try to take it as a cue to get professional help.

When pet peeves go out of hand -

We all have something that we dislike or get uncomfortable about. It may be because of your fear of spiders or maybe your dislike of being alone. Of course, we all have things that gross us out or give us the chills, but when that turns into something disrupting your everyday life, it is a sign that you might have a phobia. When your dislike for something turns into a phobia that you find challenging to navigate through, it is a good sign to take the help of mental health professional.

For no specific reason at all -

People often see a therapist or a counselor when they are in distress or have a big problem looming over their heads. It is true, but there is more to it. People can seek the aid of professionals to improve the quality of their life. They might seek help to fully understand their capabilities and how to live a fuller life while being aware of one’s emotions and behaviors.

After talking about the different signs that indicate when to seek mental health services, it becomes imperative to talk about the stigma aspect of it too. So often, despite being aware that they need professional help, people shy away from approaching therapists because of fear. They get scared that once they start going to a mental health professional society, their loved ones will label them. They will worry about being called out and made to feel like they have done something wrong. This kind of behavior needs to change.

We need to create an environment where seeking mental health help should be normalized and not be looked upon. Don’t be ashamed of seeking help, and do not let anyone tell you otherwise. Your mental health deserves care and support too.

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Aayushi Bagga

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Aayushi is a counselling psychologist and a seasoned content writer on all things mental health. She holds a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology, and her interest lies in family and relationship counselling. Her passion for spreading mental health awareness is immeasurable.

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