Is It Time for a Mental Health Checkup?
25 May 2024 by Ted Escobedo 3 min read
Many of us go to the doctor to get regular checkups our body, but what about our minds?
If you have any of these symptoms for more than a few weeks, it may be time for a mental checkup:
• Grouchiness. Are you normally a happy person but lately find yourself blowing up over small things or arguing more with friends or family? It could be a sign of some mental or emotional issues.
• Sleeplessness. Many Americans don’t get enough sleep, but they just assume they need to roll with it. That's not healthy. A 2008 National Sleep Foundation study found that more than 30% of Americans have fallen asleep at work or while driving and estimated that nearly 50 million people suffer from sleep problems that impact their daily lives. Once a doctor has ruled out a medical condition (thyroid problems, chronic pain, etc.) that’s keeping you from sleeping, it’s time to talk to someone who may be able to explore mental and emotional causes.
• Difficulty being with people. Often, the first sign of depression is when a normally social person starts avoiding people and stops interacting on social media. So, if you find yourself checking out, you might want to ask yourself why.
• Can't relax. If you’re always wound up with a racing mind, it could be a symptom of anxiety. Unlike depression that often comes and goes, anxiety can become a constant -- and easily overlooked -- part of life. People can live with it for years without noticing its ties to mental health. This anxiety often shows up in physical symptoms -- headaches, tight shoulders, upset stomach, and breathing problems -- which can cause the focus to be on physical rather than mental causes.
Remember that it's okay to seek help. Recognizing that you need help is a sign of strength. You aren’t alone in feeling overwhelmed. According to the American Psychological Association, 42% of adults say their stress has increased. And 44% say they aren’t doing enough to manage their stress.
Source: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/time-...
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- Emotional Health