Signs that you should check in on your mental health

There are four key warning signs when it comes to checking in on our mental health. Whether we are currently in therapy or contemplating seeking help, it is important to view any one of these signs or risk factors as being on a spectrum. What may be the tipping point for one person may not be for another. 

SOCIAL WITHDRAWAL (Isolating from groups/loved ones)
We all need our downtime and our time alone to reflect or recharge; however, if you notice you are spending more and more time alone and feeling the need to be away from others, then this may be a sign that you're not doing so well. If you find this is the case, one of the most helpful things to do is to reach out to others and let them know how you are feeling. This can also help to reignite the lost feelings of connection with other people.

​MOOD CHANGES (Irritable, Sad, Manic)
One of the telltale signs that we should check in with our mental health is if we notice our moods changing more frequently and in any extreme. For example, if you are known to be a calm and collected person and you notice yourself snapping at your friends or your partner, then this could be a sign of irritability and something within your environment that is causing a change to your mood and mental wellbeing. Mood changes of concern do not have to only include anger or frustration but other sudden changes could be a warning sign, such as becoming very flat and low, or moods and behaviours of the other extreme, such as extreme elation to the point of mania.

EATING MORE/LESS
Our diet has a massive impact on our mental health and how we are feeling can sometimes be displayed in our eating habits (whether we are eating more or eating less) in any significant capacity. Eating more may be a sign of ourselves self-soothing and a way of avoiding painful thoughts and feelings associated with an underlying trigger. Eating less may have to do with control and restriction or may indicate issues with self-esteem.