Mental health matters just as much as physical health. In fact, mental health and physical health are deeply intertwined and impact one another.
However, there is still a stigma with mental health issues and seeking treatment for those problems. And because of the stigma, many people may struggle to not only ask for help but also recognize that their mental health may be suffering.
Here are four red flags you seriously need to prioritize your mental health right now.
1. You’re incredibly irritable.
Basically, everything is making you mad. This includes even the most minor inconveniences such as getting your purse caught on the door handle or misplacing your keys temporarily. Positive things seem to be setting you off, too. For example, a friend you love texting you makes you feel stressed and on edge. Your fuse seems to be getting shorter and shorter and you’re not entirely sure why.
Irritability is a sign of mental health issues because it can be caused by a number of things including depression, anxiety, stress, or poor sleep.
2. Basic self-care is becoming increasingly difficult.
Standard self-care tasks such as showering, brushing your teeth, getting to bed at a reasonable hour, etc. has become incredibly difficult for you to accomplish.
3. You’re completely exhausted.
Even if you’re sleeping enough or even more than usual, it doesn’t seem to make a difference in your energy levels because you’re completely drained all the damn time.
4. You’ve been isolating yourself.
While spending time alone is important and healthy, isolating yourself is another thing entirely. Signs you may be isolating include avoiding social outings that used to be fun, canceling plans on a consistent basis, experiencing stress or anxiety when thinking about socializing, etc.
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Mental health is imperative for overall wellness, and needing help managing your mental health is nothing to be ashamed of. If you have been experiencing any signs of mental health troubles, do not hesitate to reach out for support.