The signs and symptoms of mental health issues can often be subtle, making it come as a surprise. Though symptoms like depression, anxiety, or being tired are the classic popular ones, many not-so-apparent ones can herald a problem. But on the brighter side, the sooner one recognises these signs, the sooner they can be helped.
Dr Nikhil Nayar, Psychiatrist, Sharda Hospital - Noida, in an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, explained to us some of the unnoticed symptoms of deteriorating mental health. Here is what he shared with us.
1. Bodily Symptoms without Obvious Reasons
Often associated with mental illnesses are unexplained headaches, stomach problems, or tension in the muscles. Conversely, psychological problems have a physical outlet, chronic aching can have its roots in the psyche, such as being linked to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and either anxiety or depression.
2. Changes in Sleep Patterns
Not insomnia or hypersomnia but rather small sleep pattern alterations become the red flag. You often wake at night, dream vividly or find you simply cannot sit still. The expert revealed that something may be amiss as far as stress or emotional equilibrium.
3. Sudden Loss of Interest in Hobbies
It's not depression alone when you stop finding fun in things that were once enjoyed, Dr Nayar said it can also indicate a mental condition, such as burnout or an anxiety disorder. Even if it's a slow change, there's merit to exploring why you've lost the passion.
4. Excessive Irritability or Anger
Feeling irritated all the time, snapping at loved ones, or getting extremely frustrated over minor inconveniences may be a sign of emotional problems. Chronic irritability often comes ahead of stress, anxiety, or mood disorders.
5. Changes in Eating Habits
Sudden changes in appetite, either overeating or losing interest in food, are a common symptom of mental illness. Overindulgence in comfort foods or skipping meals could also be related to emotional needs rather than hunger.
Also Read: Walk And Talk Therapy: Can Movement Enhance Your Mental Health Journey?
6. Social Withdrawal
While withdrawal from social situations is the most common indicator of depression, even slight actions, such as avoiding calls or cancelling plans more often, may point towards some level of mental health issue. Dr Nayar mentioned that there is a difference between taking space and staying away from other people and one should be able to differentiate between the two.
7. Difficulty Concentrating
Being unable to focus, constantly forgetting things, or even having difficulty remembering information can all be symptoms of anxiety, depression, or even the initial stages of burnout. Note that mental health issues affect your cognitive functions in ways that one cannot always comprehend.
What You Can Do?
Dr Nayar recommends not to be dismissive if you notice these traits in yourself or in your loved ones. A few things to get you going are:
- Communicate your feelings to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist.
- Get professional help from licensed mental health practitioners who could appropriately diagnose and treat you.
- Engage in calming and emotionally restorative activities like sports, meditation, or journaling.
- The study of mental illness will make you diagnose symptoms much quicker and help do away with myths.
Bottomline
Mental well-being is just like physical well-being and it is important to have a sync between both. Paying heed to the signs of deteriorating mental health may have you take preventive measures against the damage that might befall one's mental health.