As we come to a close on the month of May, we recognise that it was the month of focus on mental health. It was a time to educate ourselves on the different aspects, including symptoms, causes and risk factors. And take into consideration what the past year and traumas of the pandemic had on our wellbeing.
It was a month of reflection for many as we also remember the death of George Floyd a year on. His death triggered generational wounds—a history of racial injustice and brutality that so many of us have embedded within our psyche.
It was also a period to think about all the people who may be going through a difficult time in their lives relating to mental health. In addition to the pandemic, many of us still don’t feel like ourselves. We are struggling to readjust to ‘normality’. We may still have heighten emotions.
One thing I’ve learnt this month or familiarised myself with is the importance of communication. Last year I wrote a post discussing why we need communication in relationships. Even if we’re not with someone, those points still apply to daily life. We shouldn’t be afraid to open up! It may seem foreign now because of the world we live in. But we never know what people are going through or how they could potentially help us if we keep things to ourselves.
I thought it would be good to look at some features of mental health, including the symptoms and triggers. Some are more visible than others, and we may not realise someone close to us could be suffering in silence. We may not even know how to differentiate a mental health symptom from something else, so it’s important to know the signs.
Disclaimer: I am not a healthcare professional, so please check with a qualified specialist for more details! I have also included links to some websites below. But I do have a degree in Forensic Science with Psychology, so I know a thing or two! 🙂
Signs and symptom include:
-Feeling extremely sad and not knowing why
-Highly irritable or having a short temper
-Extreme mood swings
-Changes in sleeping pattern
-Lack of motivation or interest
-Decreased energy or feeling fatigued
-Weakened or tense muscles
-Changes in appetite
-Trouble concentrating or memory loss
-Feeling guilty, helpless or worthless
-Thoughts of suicide
-Extreme fear or worry that something bad will happen to you
-Misuse of drugs and or alcohol
-Detaching from reality or withdrawal from friends and loved ones
There are some situations in life that may trigger these symptoms, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. If you haven’t thought about how risk factors contribute to your wellbeing, now is a great time.
Some risk factors include:
-Stress
-Trauma ranging from emotional, physical and financial to name a few.
-Having few friends or family members that are there for you.
-What you expose yourself to, i.e. social media.
I understand it’s not easy to speak up about our mental health situations. But we shouldn’t blame ourselves or feel guilty for it! It’s normal to worry about being judged by the person we tell. Or fear they won’t understand. But there are a number of people to turn to if a loved one or friend is not the best option.
Professionals like a GP can refer you to a therapist or counsellor where you will receive honest trained advice. The longer you keep it to yourself, the worse off it could be. It may affect your career, relationships and even daily life and we don’t want that! Asking for help is nothing to be ashamed about, everyone needs it at times!
I hope this post has helped you identify signs to look out for. Keep talking and educating yourself about mental health, you’ve got this! 🙂
Seraphina x
Helpful UK Links:
The NHS website has useful information.
Black Minds Matter focuses on providing free mental health services for the Black community in the UK.
Rethink Mental Illness offers advice and services throughout the UK.
Mental Health Foundation provides research and support.
Mind.org.uk has several helpful links on their website, including:
How to seek help for a mental health problem
Words By Seraphina 
Very good post. I am facing some of these issues as well..
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