3 Subtle Signs that It Might be Time to Prioritize Your Mental Health
"An ounce of action is worth a ton of theory." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
May’s Mental Health Awareness Month is the perfect time to remind ourselves that mental health is just as important as physical health. All too often, we only focus on overt signs of distress, such as dramatic changes in mood or behavior. But more subtle signs can also indicate that it’s time to prioritize our mental well-being in a more proactive approach.
What follows are three common but often overlooked signals that often precede more serious symptoms of anxiety and depression. Recognizing these early signs can be the first step toward seeking support.
1. Changes in Executive Function and Concentration
One of the earliest indicators that something may be amiss is a change in executive function, which encompasses the ability to plan, focus, concentrate, and make decisions. You might find yourself struggling to concentrate on tasks that once seemed straightforward or experiencing difficulty in organizing your thoughts. This lack of focus can be frustrating and may lead to feelings of inadequacy or increased stress. If you notice that your ability to manage day-to-day tasks is diminishing significantly from your baseline, it could be a signal that your mental health needs attention before more significant issues arise.
2. Changes in Energy Levels
Energy levels can fluctuate for numerous reasons, but a persistent, noticeable decline in energy can be a subtle warning sign of underlying mental health struggles. You might feel fatigued even after a full night's sleep or find that activities you once enjoyed now require much more effort than they used to. This shift can easily be overlooked as a mere consequence of a busy lifestyle, but it's essential to differentiate between normal tiredness and a deeper sense of exhaustion that affects your basic motivation and engagement with life. If you’re experiencing a sustained lack of energy, it may be time to reflect on your mental health.
3. Changes in Sleep or Appetite
Sleep and appetite are two critical aspects of our well-being. Changes in either can signal bigger shifts in mental health. Insomnia (trouble sleeping), hypersomnia (sleeping too much), loss of appetite, or increased cravings can all be indicators of stress or anxiety creeping into your life. If you find yourself sleeping significantly more or less than usual, or if your eating habits have changed, these could be subtle cues that your mental health is under strain. Ignoring these signs may lead to more severe, harder to treat mood symptoms down the line. Instead, take note and address these changes ahead of time.
Recognizing these subtle signs can be the first step toward safeguarding your mental health. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek help. Resources like the 988 Suicide Prevention Line are available 24/7 for anyone in crisis. Additionally, platforms such as ZocDoc and Psychology Today can connect you with local mental health professionals in your area, making it easier than ever before to find the support you need.
Prioritizing mental health is a vital part of living a balanced life. By acknowledging these subtle signs and taking early action, you can pave the way for better mental well-being.
-Lauren