Everyone undergoes emotional changes or changes in their behavior and thoughts from time to time. However, these changes can make you less functional and cause mental illness. Mental health issues are becoming more common than you might think. They may be in the form of depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. Since there is no simple test that to know that you have a mental illness, you can look out for signs that could indicate it’s time to seek professional help. Fortunately, people with mental health issues can still lead happier lives with professional counselling services. If you need more information from an expert, Symmetry Counselling Services may be able to help you.

1. Hopelessness

Most people have experienced sad feelings at some point in life. However, feeling that you are worthless or hopeless is a sign of a mental illness. It could be a sign that you need mental health counselling services. Hopeless thoughts may include worrying that you don’t have a future or that your future is doomed. You may also feel unmotivated to improve your situation.

2. Emotional Outbursts

Everyone experiences different moods. However, sudden and dramatic mood changes could be a sign of mental health issues. Extreme distress or anger signifies that you need counselling to deal with mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.

3. Traumatic Events

You need counselling services if you can’t forget the impact of recent or past traumatic events. Trauma can turn your life upside down and take a toll on your life. Unrelated things can sometimes trigger memories and make you desperate to eliminate them. You might experience nightmares, disturbing images, nightmares, and flashbacks. The trauma can originate from incidences, such as witnessing tragic accidents, being assaulted, almost dying in an accident, or surviving a natural disaster. You may need mental health counselling to get over traumatic events.

4. Withdrawal and Disconnection from Others

Some people use their time alone to rest and recharge before engaging with the world. However, that time alone can cause further disconnection and withdrawal from friends and family, indicating mental health issues. Isolation is usually a sign of substance abuse, depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses that require professional counselling.

5. Substance Abuse

Many individuals with mental health issues abuse drugs, alcohol, and other substances to deal with their mental condition. For instance, an individual with bipolar disorder may drink alcohol to calm their feelings during a manic phase or take other substances to assist through the depressive phase. Unfortunately, substance abuse can lead to other disorders like addiction or aggravate signs of mental illness. Counselling services can help you cope with mental illnesses and substance abuse.

6. Too Much or Little Sleep

You may need professional help if you are sleeping much more or experience difficulty sleeping. Anxiety and depression often affect your sleep patterns, and poor sleep can worsen the symptoms. Consider therapy if insomnia continues for several weeks to avert symptoms of mental health issues.