8 Signs Your Mental Health Is Dwindling

Your mental health impacts your well-being in more ways than you think. A good mental state provides inspiration, motivation, and energy, whereas a poor mental state can make you feel anxious, overwhelmed, and “off,” consequently affecting your daily life and productivity.

People experience these “off” moments in different ways. For instance, I know my mental health is taking a dip when I get irritable for no reason or feel extremely stressed out and unmotivated to work. And recognizing these signs helps me understand my feelings and clearly understand how to cope better. 

Here are general signs your mental health is dwindling:

Change in sleep patterns

When there’s a significant change in sleeping patterns, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to fall asleep or stay awake, it’s one of the signs that your mental health is dwindling. In fact, changes in sleep patterns can be a symptom of anxiety or depression. 

Irritability and mood swings

An inability to control your emotions, having mood swings, and feeling close to tears often may signify anxiety, depression, or mental health taking a nosedive.

Feelings of hopelessness

Hopelessness can be a precursor to a mental condition (like depression) or a sign that you should relax and breathe. An overwhelming feeling of hopelessness can also signify that your mental health is going south. Have you been feeling like nothing will work out for you? Does it feel like you can never be happy, fulfilled, or at peace? Do you feel like you don’t want to try anymore? If you have been feeling like this, you have felt hopeless. 

Isolating yourself from loved ones

Alone time is good. It helps you put things in perspective and reach an optimum state of mind where you’re most productive and at your best. But if you find yourself constantly seeking to be alone or actively withdrawing from your loved ones, it may be a sign that you’re not in a good place mentally.

Changes in appetite and weight

A drastic change in appetite, such as binge-eating, eating much smaller portions, or avoiding food totally, is another of the signs your mental health is dwindling. An erratic eating pattern like this can cause your weight to fluctuate rapidly. 

Also, a change in appetite and eating patterns can be signs of an eating disorder such as anorexia, bulimia, or avoidance/restrictive food intake disorder. 

Poor concentration

A reduced level of concentration may be nothing to worry about. It could just mean that you have a lot on your mind or are not interested in the activity you’re participating in. It may also mean that you need rest or a distraction. 

However, a continuous decline in your concentration levels, such that you find it difficult to function at school or work, may be a critical symptom of mental health decline. 

Fluctuating or reduced energy levels

Energy levels that rise and fall many times a day are another sign that your mental health is dwindling — and it has nothing to do with the amount of sugar or calories you consume. You might feel fine and in control, and you might feel down, fatigued, and unmotivated. You may also feel overenergized, as though you can’t stop. 

A rapid fluctuation between these moods is a sign of dwindling mental health. It can also be a symptom of a mental illness such as panic disorder, anxiety disorder, or depression. 

Poor personal hygiene

Personal hygiene is essential to our existence and vital to our overall health and social life. When your mental health is dwindling, you can feel drained and lifeless, with little energy to care for yourself properly. 

Feeling unbothered about brushing your mouth, combing your hair, or taking a shower is a crucial sign that your mental health is dwindling.

Takeaway

If you notice any of these signs your mental health is dwindling, it’s best to reach out to a mental health expert ASAP. Also, consider taking a break and getting adequate rest. Reach out to us for assistance in getting a therapist that suits your needs or for questions you may have about mental health.