Your emotional health refers to how you cope with the different emotions that you feel from time to time. If you manage your emotions well, congratulations, you have great mental health, but if one little thing can ruin your mood and spoil your day, you may need help. Here’s how to know if you are struggling with your emotional health.
As humans, we experience a whole raft of emotions ranging from ecstatic highs to depressing lows. A sudden credit alert can have you on cloud 9 whilst dropping (and breaking) your phone or losing money can ruin your day. Whilst these occurrences are usually out of our control, what is important is how we react to them.
Read: What is emotional health?
Managing how bad emotions affect you and regulating your reactions to these emotions are key parts of emotional health. Today a lot of people are struggling with their emotional health, but for some reason refuse to admit it and seek help. Many do not even know that they need help in the first place.
How to know if you are struggling with your emotional health
If you (or someone around you) is struggling with their mental health, here are some warning signs to take note of:
Social withdrawal and self-isolation
People who are struggling with their emotional health tend to avoid other people. This is different from someone who is naturally an introvert. If an outgoing and social person suddenly withdraws from the public eye, it is usually a sign of some emotional turmoil. If you are going through something and feel the need to avoid other people, this is a warning sign.
Sleep problems
Having difficulty sleeping, not sleeping enough, or oversleeping could be a worrying sign of emotional issues. A lot of people try to escape their issues by oversleeping or worrying so much that it is nearly impossible for them to sleep. Even when they do manage to sleep, they usually wake up not very long after.
Anxiety
An increased level of worry mixed with nervousness and forgetfulness is never a good sign. When you (or someone you know) worry or broods excessively over something, it is a worrying sign that the individual may be struggling with their emotional health.
Eating problems
Eating too much or too little is another pointer to someone who is struggling with their emotional health. Some people may turn to food to escape their worries while others may be too agitated to even look at food, much less eat.
Persistent sadness or hopelessness
Someone who is struggling with their emotional health more often than not, would be pessimistic about everything. They will only see the dark side of things, believe that everything is going to fail, and have no hopes for the future. Such individuals may also have a guilty and/or negative self-image, believing themselves to be failures and to be at fault for everything.
Low energy and loss of interest
Individuals who are struggling with their mental health are always tired and have no genuine interest in doing anything. If this correctly explains your behavior, then you might be struggling with your mental health.
Mood Swings and Irritability
If you become easily irritated, angry, or frustrated, even over small things that typically wouldn’t bother you, then you might be struggling with your emotional health. In addition, if you find your anger suddenly flaring up over little things, this should be an indication of an underlying emotional issue.
Increased Interpersonal Conflicts
Increased Irritability could cause one to have a short fuse when dealing with loved ones and other people. This could lead to unnecessary interpersonal conflicts. People with emotional issues are difficult to deal with because you never know what might upset them.
Substance abuse
If you (or someone you know) turn to the abuse of substances such as narcotics to cope, then there is a good chance that they are struggling with their emotional health.
Difficulty coping/suicidal thoughts
If an individual has difficulty coping with life, work, school, etc., and develops suicidal thoughts, they are definitely in need of help.
Other symptoms include:
- Lower performance at work
- Neglecting hygiene and personal care
Conclusion
If you see many of these signs for a while, it could mean you’re having a tough time with your emotions. It’s important to talk to friends, family, or a mental health expert if you need to. Asking for help is a strong thing to do, and some people can help you feel better emotionally.
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