Something that a lot of people don’t understand is that healing is not linear. If you are struggling with depression and/or anxiety, you are going to have good days and bad days. It is completely normal to have a bad day, even after having a good stretch of days. While it is normal, it is still important to recognize when you are getting bad again.
Here is a list of signs that your mental health is getting bad again:
- Your energy levels have decreased
- You are more irritable than usual
- You are sleeping more or less than usual
- Everything begins feeling like work or a chore- including hobbies
- You feel trapped
- You have a more negative outlook
- You are having a hard time engaging
- You snap at others
- Your confidence goes down
- Your self-image changes
- Feeling unhappy right when you wake up
- Feeling overwhelmed
- You become more defensive
- You do more mindless activities (scrolling social media, watching tv, etc.)
- You start prioritizing short term pleasure over long term gain
- You avoid making future plans and begin bailing on current plans
- Listening to music isn’t fun anymore
- Sensing a lack of purpose/inspiration/goals
- Seeking out triggering content on purpose
- Your living space gets messier
- You find it hard to leave your home
- Small things feel like big things
- You find yourself reliving the past instead of focusing on the present
- You begin using alcohol and/or drugs to cope
What to do when you recognize these signs of your mental health getting bad again:
- Talk to someone you trust- this can be a friend, family member, therapist, or even calling a helpline
- Give yourself time to start healing again- take a mental health day and do what you think will help you get out of your funk
- Take care of your body- make sure you are still eating and drinking plenty of water
- Exercise- try cardio or meditation
- Eat better- when you put bad food into your body, you can’t expect to feel good
- Surround yourself with things and people that you love- this can be friends, family, pets, etc.
- Force yourself to do your hobbies again- even if you don’t think you have the energy or desire to do so, once you start it can put you in a better mindset
- Take a shower- this may seem simple to some people but it is not uncommon for people dealing with depression and anxiety to not take care of themselves
- Take a bath- showering may seem too difficult, try taking a relaxing bath instead
- Go outside- getting fresh air can be an immediate mood change for some people and it forces you to move your body
- Avoid alcohol and drugs
- Unplug from social media and tv
- Remind yourself that nothing is permanent and you will not feel like this forever
Resources: Phone Number: 1-(800)-662-HELP (4357)
MentalHealth.gov: This website provides information about mental health disorders and available treatments.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
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