Spotting the hidden signs: Mental health symptoms to heed

Since 1992, we have been celebrating World Mental Health Day on October 10th. Mental health issues are still often downplayed. Meanwhile, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) definition, good mental health is one of the key components of overall health.

Taking care of our mental well-being often isn't a priority for us. We seek help only when we stop coping with reality. Just like in the case of physical health, ignored symptoms can worsen our condition. Many of them can initially appear unconnected to mental health. What are the signs of mental health issues that are easy to ignore?

The right amount and quality of sleep are essential for good physical and mental functioning. Poor sleep may signal that we suffer from depression or anxiety. It doesn't matter whether it's difficulties with falling asleep or staying asleep. Early morning waking, when you wake up and can't fall back asleep, could indicate that it's worth consulting a specialist. On the other hand, frequent "oversleeping" could be a sign of burnout, which can develop into depression.

If we feel perpetually "on edge" and trivial things easily unsettle us, it's also worth considering our mental well-being. Particularly in men, who often don’t have societal permission to express sadness or uncertainty, "explosiveness" may mask both depression and anxiety. Both of these disorders can hinder the regulation of thoughts and feelings.

Lack of energy and motivation is quickly labelled a "character flaw". We do this to ourselves, and so might those around us. Meanwhile, problems with "getting things done" can be symptoms of both depression and ADHD. If the lack of energy and willingness to face reality appears and doesn't go away, it's worth getting checked for depression. On the other hand, tiring procrastination, waiting till the last moment and rushing just before the deadline may suggest ADHD.

Perfectionists may be valued at work, but overly high, extremely strict demands on themselves can be problematic. Those often face excessive perfectionism with anxiety disorders and eating disorders. If your standards towards yourself are so high that you never feel satisfaction or contentment, it's a sign that you might need help.

Psychotherapists and psychiatrists practising in Poland claim that patients often come to them after visiting other doctors. Many bodily symptoms that don't have a physical explanation may have a psychological origin. Contrary to common perception, our body and mind are one tightly intertwined entity, not two separate beings. Common psychosomatic symptoms (physical symptoms with a psychological basis) include headaches, stomach pains, dizziness, or excessive sweating.

It's important to remember that all these symptoms can also be healthy reactions to events. Nothing is alarming about feeling temporarily disheartened when something hasn't worked out or getting angry when we're treated unfairly. We have the right to feel tired for some time after a strenuous session at university or a demanding project at work. It's worth seeking help when difficult emotions accompany us "without any apparent reason" or persist for a long time. Healthily functioning emotions "flow" - they come and go - appropriately to our circumstances.