Signs Your Mental Health is Getting Bad Again

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