The first signs of depression and anxiety



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It’s probably no surprise to you that mental health, like physical health, exists on a spectrum. Struggles of all types can manifest in ways that are not talked about as much or that can be diagnosed. Sadly, mental health assessments can look very dark and white – you’re either depressed or you’re not, according to most online quizzes and quizzes, though mental health is rarely so clear cut.

So how do you detect a subtle change in your baseline, day-to-day mood that indicates that you are slipping the wrong way and that you might need help? Knowing and monitoring these little-known mental health warning signs can help you spot a potential challenge early on so you can intervene quickly, before your health takes a turn for the worse.

Note: It may be easier to spot a decline if you journal regularly and look back every few weeks to look for sudden changes or trends in your mood (like those listed below). It’s also wise to check your mental state by “contacting a loved one and asking them how they are feeling because you value their opinion,” says Ayana Jordan, MD, PhD, psychiatrist at Yale University. And stay tuned for these signs of mental health issues on the horizon. Remember, no reason is too small to ask for help.

You feel like you have a broken record in your head.

If you can’t finish your job because you are constantly thinking about the last conversation between you and your ex or the argument you had with your mom three weeks ago, it could be a sign that you are brooding and developing negative thought patterns. It might also come across as repetitive self-criticism, like thinking, I have the worst luck in the world; nothing good ever happens to me; I’m such a failure and a failure, endlessly.

In these cases, it’s worth exploring with a professional why you’re stuck on a negative interaction or thought, and learning how to deal with it in a healthy way so that you can let it go and move on. “One-off or sporadic thoughts do not indicate a need for therapy,” says Daksha Arora, PhD, therapist at the Serene Therapy Center in Maryland. “But persistent or frequent thoughts that create stress or interfere with your functioning indicate a need for therapy.”

You are stuck in the past or constantly worried about the future.

If you frequently remember your past and try to recreate or revise it in the present, it could be a sign that you are unhappy with your current day and that you have no confidence in a future. better and more radiant. all signs of an emerging mental health problem. If you’re trying to relive a particular moment, get rid of what you think is missing in your life right now, says Dr. Arora, and make a plan to come to terms with your current situation and achieve your future goals so you can be more satisfied. from where you are. you are and where you are going.

You feel guilty about things that you cannot control.

Can’t shake the fact that you took advantage of the pandemic or found some positives in it? It’s worth reviewing with a therapist, says Dr. Jordan. Getting rid of that feeling, whether writing about it, talking to a counselor, or opening up about it in group therapy, can help you release it and realize that you are you are not alone, or badly or badly, to feel this way.

You never feel good enough.

Questioning its worth is common, but it’s not a positive sign in terms of mental well-being, and most people don’t have the tools to challenge these thoughts. If you are constantly striving for perfection, chatting with someone to understand why you think you need to be perfect and actively trying to unlearn that can help avoid anxiety and depression. Positive, compassionate self-talk, like telling yourself that no one is perfect and prioritizing and valuing progress over results, can help you get rid of that vibe.


This story is part of Women’s health coverage of Mental Illness Awareness Week, which runs October 3-9. If you feel that you are having mental health issues, don’t hesitate to seek help. You can get help and information from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) by calling 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). Volunteers are available to talk to you Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate assistance, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, where help is available 24/7. .

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