SIGNS YOU SHOULD SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

There is not even a single person who is always happy and never face any stress. We all have our own ways of coping with stress and challenges we face. Life has its own ups and downs. As they say - "it's important to face sadness otherwise you wouldn't know the value of happiness". But sometimes the control of handling the problems go out of our hands and we keep trying to control them. Most of us do not even realize when we are putting a lot of efforts, suffering and trying continuously but still there is no change. Seeking professional help for mental health might be the least thing to think for many people. I am going to share few signs that you can notice to realize if you need professional help for your mental health :

1.) YOU ARE PUTTING TOO MANY EFFORTS FOR PETTY TASKS

This is very common sign and very important one. If you feel you have to put effort to do usual tasks like getting up, cooking, going out, making your bed et cetera, then you should seek therapy.

2.) YOU DO THINGS USUALLY WHICH ARE OUT OF YOUR CONTROL - PATTERN

Usually we think and analyize everything before taking any decision. If you find yourself doing things which you regret but still continue to do it, it can be a call too!

3.) IMPULSIVITY

Have you ever done anything and only reason for doing it was -

"Just did it", "I was angry" or "I do not know why I did that" ?

If you can relate to this then it's a major sign too. We all show impulsivity once in a while but if this is a repetitive in your life then you know what to do.

4.) CHANGE IN SLEEPING AND EATING HABITS

These are the two things which changes initially if your mental health is deteriorating. If you feel you are sleeping more/less than usual or you are eating more/less than usual, you should find yourself a shrink.

5.) YOUR CLOSE ONES ARE POINTING IT OUT

If you notice your peers or family members saying constantly "your behaviour has been changed", "you seem lost" or "you're very irritated these days" et cetera, you should think about it! There is something bothering you even if you are unaware of it.

6.) YOU HAVE NO MOTIVATION/WILL FOR DOING THINGS YOU USED TO LOVE

If you do not find your leisure activies interesting anymore or unable to feel pleasure, it surely is a major sign!

7.) NO/LESS SELF CARE

If you suddenly realize that you've not been taking care of yourself like you used to, then this is a sign too. Sometimes we cater to all our duties and feel drained, that is because we skip caring for ourselves in our daily schedule. But when we feel that we are not doing the bare minimum for ourselves, that is when you should seek professional help. Example : Avoiding bath, you skip brushing your teeth or skipping most of the meals,  et cetera.

8.) YOU DO NOT FEEL LIKE YOURSELF

Your heart knows who you are as a whole and when there is a difference in you then you get the gut feeling that you are not being yourself. It happens with most of the people and usually they figure out what is lacking in their life but if it has been long that you do not feel like yourself, seek some therapy. 

9.) YOU ARE UNABLE TO FIGURE OUT YOUR IDENTITY

If you feel you do not know who you are anymore. You change your life goals very often, you feel like a different individual every once a while and every past self of yours does not feel like who you truly are and you're constantly trying to find yourself then you should seek professional help.

10.) CONSTANT OVERTHINKING

We all overthink at some point. We give all our attention to something that we're worried about and sometimes getting lost in the spiral of thoughts. Everyone worries at least once about college grades, financial matters, or relationship troubles with friends or family members. 

But when should you seek help for overthinking? 

If you excessively worry about things that are entirely out of your control. It can include compulsions, obsessions, intrusive thoughts, or a combination of all three. This overthinking can be a symptom of an Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Over time, it becomes hard to focus on anything but your obsessive thoughts, and you may experience chaos in several different aspects of your life. If you experience these obsessive thoughts, this is a major call.

11.) SHUTTING DOWN

We all suppress one thing or the other. It may be consciously or unconsciously. But sometimes (usually due to major life event) we start suppressing everything and our mind gets conditioned to suppress painful thoughts. Our mind always wants to escape pain. If you keep doing something that helps you escape or avoid the unpleasurable/painful feeling, it becomes a habit. 

A different form of suppression, known as Visual Perceptual Suppression, occurs when an object is not consciously seen even though the image is always visible.

It happens with us once in a while but if it is happening with you constantly then you should surely seek professional help.

MYTH BUSTING :  

MYTH : People with mental disorders take therapy.

FACT : Any individual in distress can seek psychological help.

MYTH : Therapy is for rich

FACT : Therapy is for humans. All of them. There are many organizations who provide pro bono therapy for people who can not afford it.

MYTH : Taking therapy means you are crazy

FACT : Most of the celebrities take therapy to balance their life. It is normal. We do not use this word for anyone who needs help. 

MYTH : Therapy is talking

FACT : Therapists study psychology and therapeutic studies for minimum 7 years to get the license to provide therapy. Therapy rewires your brain to lead a better life.

MYTH : "They won't understand me as they have not been through it"

FACT : Therapy is a treatment and not making someone feel what you went through. Majority of the therapists are very empathetic and helps you in whichever phase you're in.

That's all for today!

Thank you for reading this.

Stay safe and seek help! ♡