Is what I am experiencing normal or am I suffering from a mental illness? There may be times in your life where you stop and question what is going on with how you are feeling. This might just be the result of regular ups and downs that we all experience throughout our lives or it could be something more.
Everyone will feel sad or anxious sometimes as we all go through periods of doubt and emotional pain. These are all healthy feelings and usually fade over time. It is when these feelings linger or begin to interfere with our daily lives, that they could be signs of a mental illness.
Mental illness is experienced by one in five, U.S adults each year and encompasses a wide range of mental health conditions – disorders that affect your mood, thinking, and behavior. Usually, the onset of symptoms in individuals is gradual but a mental health concern becomes a mental illness when ongoing symptoms cause frequent stress and affect your ability to function.
Signs and symptoms of mental illness can vary, depending on the disorder, circumstances, and other factors. Mental illness symptoms can affect emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Figuring out if what you are feeling is the result of a mental illness could be the first step towards getting help.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself to help you determine if what you are experiencing is more than just the normal ups and downs:
Do you have intense sadness that has lasted longer than a few days? Feeling sad or experiencing grief is normal when coupled with a major life change such as a loss of a job, divorce or death of a loved one. When your sadness is persistent and long-lasting, this is a sign you may need a professional evaluation.
Have your eating patterns changed? You may find yourself overeating as a source of comfort or you may not be able to bring yourself to consume food at all.
Do you feel fatigued or lacking energy? A symptom of mental illness that is common is feeling drained for days or weeks at a time. It may be difficult to get out of bed or go to work.
Have you lost interest in activities you used to enjoy? Exercising, meeting up with friends, spending time outdoors are things that you may have stopped doing as a result of how you feel.
Are you feeling hopelessness? You may feel as though your life will never get better or that you are stuck in a situation you cannot control.
Do you feel worthless, angry, or guilty? Even though you have done nothing wrong, you may experience these feelings.
If any of these items resonant with you, you may be suffering from a mental illness. As mental health issues affect millions of people, you are not alone. The next best step would be to reach out to a mental health professional. They will be able to evaluate your symptoms and create the best treatment path for you. Seeking help is the first step in getting you back to feeling like you again.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, anxiety, or chronic pain, Emerge Ketamine can help. Our team of dedicated, licensed medical professionals specializes in ketamine-assisted therapy for mental health conditions and chronic pain.
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