Mental health, like physical health, has been extremely affected by COVID and studies have shown that bereavement, isolation, loss of income and fear are triggering mental health conditions or exacerbating existing ones.
Many people may be facing increased levels of alcohol and drug use, insomnia, and anxiety post COVID.
Regular online assessments regarding mental health can be found in abundance but their accuracy is seldom to be trusted.
In addition to this, it is extremely important to note that consulting a medical professional if you feel unsure about your mental condition is the first and surest way to know if you need help any further.
However, understanding your mental health isn’t always easy. Here are five signs that you should look for if you are uncertain about your mental health.
1. Personality shift
A general feeling of not feeling like oneself, which might include losing your spark, your creativity or your confidence? Not feeling like your happy self is one of the first signs that you should look out for if you are assessing your mental health. Most often, these changes can easily be spotted by those around you, especially people you interact with the most. Friends, family and your colleagues will be able to tell the difference.
2. Tactics to avoid
Ask yourself if you are trying to run away from things or avoiding stuff that you used to enjoy previously. Shutting down socially or withdrawing from social activities with friends and dear ones is also a sign that should prompt you to question your mental health.
3. Weekend plans
After working for five or six days a week, you feel exhausted and would want to have a fun time with friends or colleagues. However, an unfit mental state doesn’t allow you to feel happy or make attempts to improve your mood because of the mental exhaustion. Making plans and executing them requires effort that may be difficult to put in during such times.
4. Genuine laughter
People who do not have a balanced mental health find it difficult to pull themselves out of their dark space. Even though they might sit with groups and talk and laugh, it is important to note if their laughter is genuine or not. Not being able to have a genuine laugh or a fun time is another indicator of a disturbed mental state.
5. Holidays don’t feel enjoyable
You may go for holidays and vacations in order to get out of your headspace and feel happy but at times you may feel that holidays are not relaxing you. Instead of rejuvenation and refreshment, you might feel the same or at times worse after taking a vacation because you don’t feel the way you are supposed to. In such a case, make sure you seek professional help.
