How To Recognize Early Signs Of Mental Health Problems? 6 Mental Health Red Flags To Look Out For

Physical illness is easy to spot with all the health issues and signs but that’s not the case with mental health. Not only is it difficult to diagnose mental health illnesses but it’s also difficult to spot the signs. While they do exist, the signs can vary and make it difficult to understand when things go wrong and when to seek help and that’s probably why we all need to be proactive when it comes to taking care of our mental health. With all the talk about mental health, it’s important to not only look out for ourselves but also for our friends and loved ones. And the best way to do this is to keep an eye out for any mental health red flags which hint at mental or emotional distress. Here are some signs that may indicate that it’s time to seek professional help to keep your mental health in check.

1. Repetitive Thoughts

Now, we all tend to overthink things every now and then but if you begin to feel like you have a broken record in your head, know that it’s a mental health red flag. Constantly thinking about one thing or incident or conversation to the point that it makes it difficult for you to concentrate on the other things in life is not normal. If it feels like you’re replaying things in your head on a loop or constantly worrying about the past or the future, know that it’s time to seek help.

2. Overwhelming Guilt Or Lack Of Control

If you blame yourself for everything that goes wrong or for things that are just not in your control, chances are that your mental health is deteriorating. It’s normal to feel sad or wrong but if you feel like you’ve lost control over your life and feel guilty about every little thing that happens, it’s a mental health red flag that deserves your attention.

3. Emotional Sensitivity

We’re all emotional beings but it’s important to know when you’re losing control of your emotions because that could indicate an underlying mental health issue. If you find yourself being extra emotionally sensitive or emotionally on the edge or on the verge of losing your temper or if you fail to keep your emotions in check, it’s time to seek professional help.

4. Seeking Validation

It’s normal for some people to seek validation or approval from those around them and while that’s not necessarily a bad thing, it has to be limited. If you find yourself seeking validation from anyone and everyone around you and depend your self-worth on the validation, it is a sign of trouble. And if you try to avoid sharing your opinions fearing judgement, it’s a mental health red flag you don’t want to ignore.

5. Ignoring Boundaries

If someone’s mental health is sliding the wrong way, they tend to ignore their own boundaries and prioritise others over their own selves. Allowing people to cross boundaries is a major mental health red flag that indicates self-esteem issues.

6. Stress Management Problems

It’s normal to feel stressed due to your day-to-day issues but that’s where stress management comes in. With work and personal life-related stress, it’s important that one learn to balance things out but if you feel like you’re unable to manage the stress, it’s a big sign of trouble and it’s best to seek professional help before things get worse.

Also Read: 10 Celebs Who Revealed How Comments On Their Physical Appearance Affected Their Mental Health And Self Image

Always remember that no reason is small enough to not seek help and it’s never too late. Spotting the subtle signs and mental health red flags is the first step towards understanding that you’re sliding the wrong way and need support.

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