Many times, and even more so recently, we tend to keep our feelings inside, without wanting to reveal how we are really feeling to others. The conversations always remain the same, and go something like:
“Good morning, how are you?”, to which the usual response is “Fine thanks, and you?”.
It’s unfortunate that this dialogue is so ingrained within us, because it has become the norm. If you were to respond with “I’m really stressed; I’m in debt and cannot see a way out”, it may be hard for the other person to respond. Of course, this would depend on if the other person is a relative, friend, colleague or otherwise.
Due to this frequent yet vague dialogue, most people tend to show themselves in a different light to the outside world. While their inner world may be crumbling, they appear to remain on top of things, unbeknownst to the people around them.
Dealing with uncertainty and life changes, coping with different emotions like stress and anxiety and managing daily routines and activities can be overwhelming and affects everyone at various levels. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to the physical, mental and emotional health of yourself, your family and friends. While it is not always easy to determine a mental health issue, there are signs that could indicate a need to seek psychological support and professional help.
Some warning signs that will help you realize that you or someone you know might need to get help:
You are feeling sad or down for more than two weeks.
You can’t sleep at night or experiencing interrupted sleep.
You developed an unhealthy relationship with food and your eating patterns have changed: either you have lost your appetite, or you can’t stop yourself from eating too much (emotional eating).
You experience sudden fear that cannot be explained. You feel panicked, your heart starts racing, and you can’t calm your breathing.
Your energy level decreases, and you feel discouraged.
Drastic changes in behaviour and severe mood swings that affect daily activities and relationships with family and friends.
You feel nervous, stressed, worried or on the edge all the time.
You use drugs and/or alcohol to cope.
You are engaging in fights, experiencing violence or abuse.
It is also known that men are less likely seek help than women. Mental illness affects people of every gender, and while the specifics may differ, it’s incorrect to assume that men don’t struggle simply because they are often portrayed, or expected, to be strong and silent. This expectation is rooted in toxic masculinity and has resulted in poor mental health outcomes for men. Men are more likely to experience substance abuse and exhibit violence, and more likely to die by suicide. Skewed expectations around how men should display emotion can lead to a fear of being judged, or for crying or appearing “weak.”
How to ask for help
It can take a lot of courage to admit that you are struggling, but please remember that we all suffer with mental health problems every now and then. We are all human, and therefore will inevitably come up against difficulties or challenges in life. It’s important to recognise when we are feeling this way, and know that there are many sources of help available.
If you feel your mental health may be suffering, here are some ways in which you can ask for help:
Talk to family or friends
Send me a message – you can contact me here
Contact a charity which supports mental health:
Mind
Samaritans
So remember, we are all human and will face the ups and downs that comes with life, but it’s how we choose to deal with those encounters that makes all the difference. Please don’t suffer in silence.
Take care,
Jaqui x