When people get a cold, they quickly head to the general practitioner for a check-up, expecting to get a prescription for a dose of medication as suggested by the physician. We ask ourselves, why shouldn’t the decision to head to a psychotherapist come as easy? Sadly, misconceptions circle the still-forbidden topic of mental health.
We’re ready to break the stigma and raise awareness about the reality of mental disorders and how to defeat the unhealthy cycle.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS OF MENTAL HEALTH?
Mental illness is described as distress that affects mood, behaviour and thoughts. When the bursts of stress are prolonged, it would be best to get a mental health assessment by a professional. One can go to a GP, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a counsellor or a psychotherapist. The right professional is the one that meets the person’s needs.
Professionals state that people suffering from mental health conditions tend to notice some common symptoms, such as:
- Sad feelings
- Loss of concentration
- Heightened feelings of anxiety
- Drastic mood changes
- Distorted sleeping patterns
- Low energy and significant tiredness
- Inability to deal with stress
- Continuous confrontation with others
- Substance abuse (alcohol and drugs)
- Change in eating habits
- Increased irritability
- Withdrawal from personal activities
- Hallucinations and delusions
- Suicidal thoughts and/or self-harm
WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP?
The initial action is to accept it. Many let the causes escalate, thinking that it is just a “case of the blues” which will pass with time. Acknowledging is the first move to a better you.
Many suffer in secret, afraid that the ones closest to them will judge or abandon them. Find the right people to help pull you through it. Having a steady support system will make you resilient to beat the condition.
Get the best advice on how to surpass mental struggles and live a fulfilling and satisfying life by seeking help from a professional. Symptoms differ between children, teens and adults; and the best way to bounce back is to get psychiatric advice on what to do. Get first-hand assistance from Richmond Foundation – the NGO which has helped many conquer mental health issues for the past 25 years.
Reach out to someone trustworthy – a family member, a friend or a doctor. Talk about what’s causing you great distress and let yourself release pressure.
Our body has its own warning signs which raise the alarm whenever an obstacle is causing life to come to a halt. Learn how to recognise the differences between a bad mood and a more serious troubling issue.
Share this article with family and friends to make others conscious about mental health symptoms, how to deal with them and to help fight the stigma.