Rapid Mood Changes: Cycling through emotions is much more than being irritable or having a low mood for the day. It is defined by episodes where an individual displays emotions that deviate from normal levels such as unusual anger, anxiety or irritability and low spirits that are challenging to control. Such fluctuations result in emotional outbursts and meltdowns, including during social interactions and routine lives.
(Image Source: ABP Live AI) Isolation or withdrawal from a social environment: A frequently reported symptom of mental health problems is social isolation or lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can be attributed to factors such as low moods, and feeling unimportant or stressed out. Occasionally taking a break is natural, but consistently avoiding social events and withdrawing for extended periods may be a sign of underlying mental health issues.
It is important to maintain social activity and keep in touch with people to support one’s mental well-being. (Image Source: ABP Live AI) Difficulty in attention and memory: Lack of concentration or difficulty in remembering can be stressful to anyone and can even impair normal functioning. Symptoms such as poor memory, difficulty concentrating, confusion, and impaired thinking and decision-making abilities may indicate underlying mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, or acute stress.
This can lead to poor performance in the usual daily tasks and yet result in feelings of hopelessness or failure. The inability to pay attention and recall information may also lead to errors, lateness, and exhaustion in completing daily tasks. (Image Source: ABP Live AI) Changes in sleep and appetite: Any sudden or substantial alterations in the patterns of sleeping and eating habits should be monitored.
Sleeping difficulties can be characterized by problems in falling asleep, trouble maintaining sleep, early waking, or oversleeping. Also, alterations in appetite involve not having an appetite or increased appetite resulting in overeating. Such disturbances are associated with a variety of mental health issues such as depression, and anxiety.
Identifying and recognizing changes in sleep and appetite is important, as addressing them can help improve and prevent mental health concerns. Awareness of these alterations and the ability to seek ways to deal with stress effectively can reduce imbalance. (Image Source: ABP Live AI) Behavioural Changes: Drastic changes in behaviour can often be a sign of a potential mental illness.
This includes people engaging in risky behaviours, an increase in alcohol consumption, and substance use, neglecting self-care, and struggling with daily activities. Further, other warning signs include lack of personal grooming, lack of concern towards daily activities, and inability to undertake simple jobs. It is important to identify these signs, as they can worsen over time, making it important to seek professional help promptly.
(Image Source: ABP Live AI) Inputs by: Aradhya Awasthi, Clinical Psychologist, Sukoon Health (Image Source: ABP Live AI).
