It can be difficult to recognize the symptoms of mental health when everyone around you in in the mid-winter slump. However, it's important to be able to identify between an off day and reoccuring symptoms of a mental illness.
A Here to Help B.C. factsheet provides a thorough list of changes that might indicate a mental disorder:
- no longer have interest in activites you used to enjoy
- find yourself acting sad or angry for no apparent reason
- strange thoughts and voices you can't get rid of
- having trouble concentrating
- used to feel healthy but now you can't shake a persistant sick feeling
- eating habits or sleeping patterns have changed
- feel fear, worry or terror about things in life that everyone else is coping well with
- have been missing more time or school
- have a constant fear of being hurt
- increase in substance use/abuse
- find yourself avoiding people
- constant thoughts about dying, considered suicide
If any of these symptons persist for longer than a few weeks, you could be suffering from more than just the February blahs. It is advisable to seek out professional help.
For support, information or referral on any aspect of mental health and wellness, contact the Mental Health Information Line: 310-6789 (no area code needed)
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