Symptoms of mental distress can look different for everyone. Romantic breakups, career struggles, and parenting problems may seem like everyday stressors, but they can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms that require professional attention.
Online therapy offers a convenient way to connect with a therapist; many providers offer free introductory sessions. It’s essential to research various options and select a therapist who makes you feel understood, supported, and cared about.
You Feel Like You’re Not Caring About Your Life
If you find yourself feeling a general indifference to parts of your life that previously gave you pleasure or have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, it could be a sign of depression. Similarly, work in a healthcare or educational field and feel like you’re no longer empathizing with students or patients or caring for them the way you used to. It might signify a deeper problem that could benefit from professional help.
You may also be experiencing signs of apathy when you spend a lot of time avoiding essential things, such as socializing or spending time on hobbies. If these feelings have lasted for more than two weeks or are causing negative consequences in your life, it’s time to seek mental health support.
Moreover, if you notice that people aren’t valuing or respecting your feelings, that’s another sign you need to seek help. For example, they might avoid addressing your concerns or interrupt you frequently. They might even compare your suffering to their own, suggests therapist Jenny Walters.
Likewise, if you find yourself engaging in unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as drugs or alcohol, it’s time to talk to a counselor like PrivateTherapy.com. Counseling can help you understand why you’re relying on these unhealthy behaviors and teach you healthy coping skills.
You’re Experiencing Trauma
Traumatic situations can cause stress that can negatively impact your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. You may experience intense fear, anxiety, or sadness after a trauma, or you might feel disconnected and emotionally numb. It’s normal to have these feelings following a traumatic event, but you should see a counselor if you continue to struggle with them after a certain amount of time passes.
Traumatic events can significantly affect your thoughts and feelings, including the conviction that you are partly responsible for what occurred or that the unfavorable emotions you are going through are your fault. You may also find that you’re struggling to form close relationships or are avoiding activities, people, or places that remind you of the event, which can lead to isolation.
Symptoms of trauma can also include nightmares, flashbacks, or difficulty functioning at work and home. You may also have trouble sleeping or find yourself turning to unhealthy ways of coping (such as drugs and alcohol).
If you are still struggling with the aftermath of a traumatic event months after it happened, it’s a sign that you need help from a therapist. Don’t expect to overcome the trauma with just a few therapy sessions, but look for positive signs of improvement (e.g., sleeping better, eating healthier, feeling more energized, or having hope). A good therapist will know how to recognize and validate your feelings.
You’re Feeling Overwhelmed
Feeling overwhelmed is a normal part of life and a sign that you could benefit from mental health support. Overwhelmed feelings can cause stress, anxiety, or even panic attacks. They can impede your capacity to think correctly and make decisions. They could also lead to procrastination, which is terrible for your mental and physical health.
Overwhelmed feelings are often triggered by stress, anxiety, or traumatic experiences. Various symptoms, including a fast heartbeat, chest pressure, sweating, or difficulty breathing, can accompany them. These intense emotions can be exacerbated by specific mental health illnesses, such as depression, borderline personality disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
One of the best ways to combat feeling overwhelmed is to ground yourself in your senses. Taking a deep breath and counting to ten, then focusing on each of your senses, can help you calm down and slow down your thoughts. Those who feel overwhelmed may also benefit from practicing mindfulness and meditation.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, it’s essential to seek the help of a therapist. An online therapist can help you identify what causes your feelings of being overwhelmed and develop strategies to overcome them. To assist you in controlling your emotions in the future, they can also teach you constructive coping techniques. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by work, school, or social obligations, therapy can help.
You’re Feeling Depressed
Depression is a complicated and severe mental health condition. It may cause alterations in sleeping and eating habits as well as feelings of depression, fatigue, and melancholy that last for at least two weeks. It can also cause people to lose interest in things that they usually enjoy and even have thoughts of death or suicide. It’s normal to feel sad sometimes, but depression can make it hard to function and get through the day.
If you’re feeling depressed, talk to a counselor or doctor. They can help you find a treatment plan that works for you. You can use your insurance coverage or an FSA or HSA account for online counseling.
Remember that your mood can change daily, so don’t give up if you have a bad day. Focus on what is going well in your life and turn negative thoughts into more positive ones. Keeping a journal or a mood diary can be helpful for this.
Exercise can be a great way to boost your mood. Drinking lots of water and eating a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet are also essential. Spending time with friends and family is also good, especially in person. You can also join a support group for people who are struggling with depression and receive feedback from others who have gone through the same thing.
