The topic of mental health has remained a controversial topic throughout history, with many disregarding its importance for an individual to function properly. Only recently, there has been great stress on raising awareness regarding mental health and the concerns related to it.

Studies show that 1 in 5 American citizens experience a mental illness in their lives. These numbers are quite concerning, and the main reason that fuels this mental illness epidemic is peoples ignorance regarding its symptoms.

Since mental illnesses vary from person to person, it is quite difficult for one to completely know all the symptoms of deteriorating mental health. However, this article takes a look at certain subtle warning signs that signal falling mental health.

1) Substance Abuse As A Form Of Escapism

Have you been feeling too high-strung to wind down and simply relax on your own? Do you catch yourself reaching for an easy fix whenever you are under stress? Suppose you’re always anxious or irritable without alcohol or other substances acting as a mediator. In that case, you might need to reflect on the reasons for your increasing alcohol or substance dependency.

Many adults turn to substance abuse as a form of escape from the stressors in their lives. There is a strong connection between mental health issues and substance abuse.

Thankfully, there are many reliable institutions like Delphi Behavioral Health Group to help people lean away from this addiction. Such centers help people sort out the root mental health issues that cause compel them to abuse illicit substances.

2) Depleted Energy

Another subtle symptom of falling mental health is a lack of energy. The affected individuals simply lose the motivation and energy to do anything. Simple tasks like getting up from your bed or even brushing your teeth can seem like heavy burdens you simply cannot shoulder. The reason for that is the fact that the mind of a person dealing with mental issues is in survival mode, leading to feeling fatigued all the time. Everything seems pointless to a person battling with mental health since all their energy is spent dealing with extremes like turbulent emotions or feeling numb.

These individuals see no reason to continue with their daily activities. They might lose interest in doing tasks they previously loved doing or might start feeling disassociated from their hobbies and interests. This is why, if you feel like you are losing concentration and slacking off on doing daily activities or if you seem to suddenly lose interest in your hobbies, you should consult a professional to diagnose the underlying problem.

3) Extreme Mood Shifts

Mood swings are quite common, and everyone experiences them from time to time. However, if a person experiences an extreme shift in their mood in a very short period, without an apparent cause, then it is a cause of concern.

Mental illness leaves an imprint on a person’s brain, feelings, and emotions. This is why an individual suffers from rapid mood swings. Rapid mood swings are extreme changes in one’s mood without any cause or a cause that does not warrant such an intense reaction. Going from feeling extreme sadness to feeling completely numb is not common. It can be a cause of concern, especially if a person does not have a history of experiencing this kind of extremism in their mental state. This significant change in behavior and rapid mood swings is an early indicator of the onset of a mental problem and should be treated accordingly.

4) Feeling Isolated

Social isolation and mental health are very closely related to each other, and both leave a heavy impact on each other. A person with adverse mental health isolates themselves from any form of social interaction because they feel a sense of worthlessness and feel like they are burdening others with their presence. Similarly, being isolated from your social circles also impacts your mental health.

Human beings are not meant to be totally cut off from social interaction since man is a social animal. For instance, the Quarantine imposed during Covid-19 saw an increase in mental health issues among individuals who lived alone. If you notice someone withdrawing suddenly, becoming quiet without any reason, or avoiding their friends and family, get them help. Its highly likely that they are suffering alone and are quite vulnerable.

5) Change In Appetite And Sleep Pattern

Each individual has a sleeping pattern and some eating habits that have been ingrained in them. Our bodies are conditioned to follow a system to meet our basic needs. One symptom of a decline in mental health is an abrupt irregularity in the above-mentioned system. Some signs you should check for are:

 Excessive sleeping and/or sudden insomnia
 A dramatic change in your appetite and fluctuating weight
 Finding it difficult to sleep or eat.
 Eating or sleeping excessively to distract yourself from the mental stress you are under.

These changes are quite dangerous and can be a symptom of your deteriorating mental health. These changes should not be taken lightly, and you should pay a visit to your physician to get them checked out. Your physician can guide you about the appropriate solutions and recommend a therapist if these issues stem from a mental problem.

Wrap Up

The bottom line is that almost everyone is under some form of mental stress, which may lead to a decline in mental health. Many people suffer from bad mental health and have to silently suppress these issues because of the way mental health issues are treated in our society. If you are a person who is dealing with some symptoms that are mentioned above, then know this you do not have to feel ashamed and scared.

There are many ways to treat these problems safely and securely. You can work on your mental health by seeking therapy that will help you deal with your mental issues. Apart from that, we always need to be aware of signs and symptoms of mental health deterioration present in us and in the people around us.

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