Life these days can often feel like a never-ending scramble; to keep up, to cope, to survive. While by many metrics we’re living in the most prosperous and physically healthy society in history, we are also in the midst of a worrying mental health crisis. Despite improved healthcare and increased safety, people are more anxious and depressed than ever before. Why? Many different factors are to blame: the high cost of living, lack of access to mental health services and stigma towards mental illness to name just a few.
We can also blame social media, which, while a great tool for connection and entertainment, also creates a comparison culture and furthers misinformation. And let’s not even get started on how the current geopolitical landscape and the climate crisis are huge causes of anxiety about our future and the future of the planet. In the face of all these problems it can feel almost normal to be stressed and anxious all the time. And with the economy the way it is it can feel normal to be low and hopeless about things ever changing. During trying times it’s normal to have these kinds of negative feelings. But how to know when one needs help? How to know when one is no longer facing the normal ups and downs of life but is developing a mental disorder? If these are things you’ve ever wondered about then then this post is for you.
Signs you may not be ok
- You struggle to get energy to do basic tasks e.g. basic hygiene, feeding yourself, taking care of your space
- You struggle to sleep/ are unable to sleep throughout the night
- You have reduced interest in hobbies and activities that you previously enjoyed
- You find yourself drinking more than usual or using drugs more often or in larger quantities
- Your appetite has significantly changed- either decreased or increased
- You worry/feel anxious most days
- You have thoughts of harming yourself
- Your loved ones tell you they’ve noticed changes in your behaviour and habits
- You experience episodes of intense anxiety that come with physical signs e.g. sweating, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, tremors
- You feel hopeless
There are many other signs of not being ok. The above are just a few common symptoms that are associated with common mental disorders, particularly anxiety and depression. The severity of the above varies from person to person; some people may also have only one while others may have multiple symptoms. The crucial thing is that once you identify that you’re struggling with a mental disorder, the next step is getting help. There is no shame in not being ok. Mental disorders often result from a complex interaction of many different factors such as genetics and our environment. They aren’t a sign of weakness or some kind of personal defect. Anyone can get them. Most importantly they are treatable and people go on to live happy full lives even with these disorders.
So, it’s ok not to be ok. You are not broken or defective because you’re struggling. Help is available. And now that we know it means not to be ok, next time we’ll see what to do when you’re not ok. There’s lots of different mental health professionals out there who can help, but it can be confusing knowing who to go to i.e. when to see a counsellor vs a psychologist vs a psychiatrist. So, we’ll talk more in depth about this next time. Until then, take care.
