In 2020, an estimated 52.9 million U.S. adults were living with some form of mental illness. Each year we increasingly hear stories about people in a mental health crisis having negative interactions with law enforcement.

It is apparent that mental health treatment is needed on a broader scale. The first step to seeking treatment is recognizing the signs you’re experiencing a break in your mental health. The second is to have access to a mental health counselor.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed in the past or just suspect your mental health is deteriorating, here are the top five signs it’s time for mental health treatment.

1. Seek Mental Health Treatment If You’re Self Medicating

One sign you may need assistance coping with life is if you find yourself self-medicating to ease anxiety or emotional trauma. Self-medicating includes excessive drinking, OTC medications to help you sleep, or partaking in illegal or unprescribed drugs.

Depending on how severe the habits have become, you may want to look into mental health treatment centers that include outpatient drug treatment.

Self-medicating does solve the problem. Instead, it exacerbates the issue and can spiral your life out of control emotionally, physically, and financially.

2. Unexplained Mood Changes

Mood swings are a sign of changes in a woman’s hormone levels. Changes in your diet can also trigger mood swings. Seeking treatment for mental health to address mood changes is essential to learning if there’s an underlying health condition.

Consult with a physician to discuss any reoccurring changes in your mood. They can assist you in identifying the root cause. If its concerns your mental health, you’ll receive a referral to speak with a mental health counselor.

3. Withdrawal from Things You Once Enjoyed

Have you noticed that you no longer enjoy the things you once loved? Does taking the kids on outings or hanging out with your friends feel like a burden? If yes, what you’re experiencing could be a sign of mental burnout.

Seek treatments for mental health that help you zero in on the root cause of depression and withdrawal.

4. Avoiding Loved Ones

Your loved ones are often the biggest source of support or, in some instances, the cause of your breakdown. Avoiding loved ones is often a symptom of a break in your mental health. Speaking with a mental health counselor can help you get to the root cause of why you want to isolate yourself.

5. Inability to Accept Change

It’s a fact that people don’t like change. It’s normal to resist change until your resistance impacts your mental health. Mental health awareness can help you recognize the signs when your behavior impacts your well-being.

Change is inevitable, so it’s important to learn how to adjust mentally.

It’s Time for a Mental Health Check

There is no shame in seeking mental health treatment. Learning how to cope with changes in our mental health is essential to living a fulfilling life.

If you found this topic helpful, we hope you’ll pop in often to check out our latest health articles and more.

By Manali