How to Identify a Declining Mental Health

With the country back under the pandemic lockdown, many people are experiencing a declining mental health and may not be aware of it. Many signs of your mental wellness waning can be disguised as merely normal home and work stress. As such, it becomes important to identify these signs as early as possible in, not only yourself but your peers as well.

Sustained Low Mood

Low moods are common for neurotypical individuals and are not immediate signs that you are suffering from a mental illness or worsened mental health. However, sustained and continued low moods are strong indications of a worsening mental state. Low moods are characterized by sadness, anxiety, low self-esteem, tiredness, and frustration. If you are experiencing sustained versions of these symptoms, this might be an early warning sign that you are in need of help to elevate yourself out of this state.

Apathy

Apathy describes one's own decline in their interest with their passions and environment. You may notice that hobbies and entertainment that you have enjoyed before has loss their charm to you. Apathy can also manifest in the friendships that you have and the desire to withdraw from them. Social withdrawal and apathy may be correlated and is a large sign that your mental health might be declining. Apathy and depression can be distinguished with the former losing the will to act on things while the latter forms from hopelessness and guilt. Continued apathy can result in the inability to maintain relationships and to perform well in your work or school.

Rapid Shifts in Mood

While our moods are ever changing due to our environments and circumstances, it becomes dangerous when they swing between the extremities. Rapid shifts can mean being extremely elated for one minute and becoming extremely sad the next. This volatility between emotional states can be taxing on yourself and those around you which might further strain your relationships. Causes for such a reaction can range from stress, diet changes and substance abuse (tobacco, alcohol, etc). Consulting a mental health expert will help you identify the core cause for such symptoms and provide adequate support to guide you through them.

Getting Help

Reaching out to family and friends are helpful supports and pillars to getting yourself out of a declining mental health. Connections and love can help bring us back on our feet. However, sometimes it is not enough and we would need to reach out to a mental health expert who can identify and recommend personalized treatment. If you would like to begin your mental health journey with Infinit Care, you can sign up here!