‘’Mood swings, social isolation, repetition of small daily rituals or tasks, wasting money, becoming a night owl, difficulty in concentration, negative eating habits, lack of concern with self-care are some of the common habits that are signs of mental illness’’.
Everyone believes that mental suffering is always apparent, loud, and dramatic. However, the reality is quite different. Mental struggles don’t scream or yell, but they silently affect the person. They keep exerting negative impacts on your life and silently get involved in daily routines and become a habit until you find them, employ some coping strategies, or ask for some help.
This article will help you understand the most common habits that are signs of mental illness and indicate that individuals require professional help to get rid of them. After reading this article, you might say‘’ I didn’t Know These Common Habits Were Signs of Mental Health Issues. So let’s start!
24 Common Habits but Serious Indications or Signs of Mental Issues
Mental health issues are just like hidden ghosts or paranormal activities, which are invisible, and the affected person can’t identify them. If a person is laughing at any occasion, does not complain, and performs daily life activities, then it does not mean that he or she is normal. There are higher chances of the existence of anxiety, depression, or any other common mental issues. A person should be aware of all the symptoms and habits that are indications of any mental illness. Most people assume that whatever they are doing is normal until it negatively affects their personal, professional, and social lives.
Here is a list of some common habits that can be seen as part of the personality of a person who is dealing with any mental illness.
1. Social Isolation
If you do not feel comfortable in the presence of others, feel hesitant or embarrassed, and prefer to stay alone instead of engaging in any social activity, then there is an increased probability that you are suffering from a mental illness, such as anxiety, depression, etc. If it is becoming your habit to remain socially withdrawn from your friends or loved ones, then it is a warning sign of your mental instability.
2. Negative Eating Habits
If you are also experiencing some negative changes in your appetite, then it is also a sign of a mental issue. Eating less or overeating can also be a sign of anxiety, depression, or any eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
3. Procrastinating More
If you have a habit of choosing or showing interest in those activities that are less important as compared to those that should be your priority, then it could be a mental health issue.
4. Suicidal or Self-Harming Thoughts
The mind of a person who is battling with any mental illness always remains filled with undesired, negative, intrusive thoughts, and it becomes a habit to focus on them. If it occurs most often, then it should be immediately considered.
5. Sudden Mood Swings
If you are suffering from any mental illness, then it’s obvious that you will have to experience sudden mood swings or alterations. At one time, if you are happy, then at other times, you will feel sadness and low energy levels.
6. Excessive Stress Over Everything
The minds of individuals who are suffering from any mental illness remain filled with several disturbing thoughts about the past, present, and future. They do not find happiness in anything, and even a single memory of any previous life trauma is enough to trigger their stress or anxiety. Therefore, their sleepless nights with excessive crying became their habit due to their underlying mental illness.
7. No Concern with Self-Care
Individuals who are mentally active and stable always prioritize their self-care. They never compromise on their hygiene and regularly brush their teeth and take a shower. However, mental health patients are habitual in neglecting their hygiene. This also affects their sense of motivation, confidence, and self-esteem.
8. Most Frequent Arguments
Individuals with any mental issues face difficulty in maintaining their emotions. They can not easily maintain their anger and are habitual in exhibiting their anger outbursts. In addition, they get engaged in any fight or conflict due to their emotional instability.
9. Difficulty in focus & learning
If you are becoming habitual for not paying attention or learning vital things, then it surely shows the presence of any mental illness.
10. Repetition of Small Daily Rituals
Doing certain things normally, like checking the locks of windows or doors, or asking for reassurance from a partner, is quite normal. But if it becomes a habit, then it is an alarming situation. If you are outside your home and move back to just check the locks or wash your hands again and again, or feel the urge to arrange things in symmetry, then there are increased chances that you are suffering from an obsessive-compulsive disorder or obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.
11. Hiding Pain Under a Laugh
Pain is not something that you should hide from others. Whatever you feel, try to share it with your loved ones. But do not give your pain shelter or laugh. However, if you do this as a habit, then it is a red flag. By doing this, you are not just fooling others but also doing bad with yourself. So instead of escaping from the reality of pain, try to face it with courage.
12. Becoming a Night Owl
If you are becoming a night owl to prepare for any exam or any competition, then it is good to that extent when it is not becoming your habit and affecting your physical and mental health. However, if you are becoming habitual in staying awake the whole night and even face difficulty sleeping when you go to bed, then it is a sign that you are suffering from mania or depression. Insomnia is also one of the major signs of stress or depression. Always remember that each individual requires sleep for a specific time period to stay energetic and mentally active throughout the day.
13. Wasting Money
Considering the mental care, if you go out for a picnic, spend some time with friends, and do shopping is a good sign. But if you are becoming habitual in wasting money on useless things most often, then it is a red sign and shows that you have a mental issue, such as bipolar disorder.
14. Over-Apologizing or Over-Explanation
Saying sorry is morally good and ethical if you make a mistake. But if you always jumped to say sorry in each case, such as:
If you asked any question first in any discussion, then you immediately said ‘’ I am sorry. Likewise, if I ask for help, then first you say sorry. If we consider it in terms of humility or politeness, then it’s ok. But if you keep doing this as a habit, then it shows that you are anxious and need some professional help.
16. Emotional Instability: From Minor Triggers
Whenever you receive any message from a senior authority or see the reminder of any upcoming project, you get anxious and start taking stress over it. If this occurs as a habit, then it means there is an emotional dysfunction due to your ongoing mental illness.
17. Most Often Forgetting Things
A healthy mind always stays active and remembers everything. However, anxious minds tend to forget things more and more. In addition, they forget the most important dates and never reach the meetings on time. Moreover, they even ignore little things like their meal. In most cases, it is a sign of depression.
18. Excessively saying I’m fine
If you are repeatedly saying that I’m fine when you are falling apart and not considering your mental health, then it is also a dangerous thing. Remember that asking for help is not a sign of bravery not weakness. Instead of isolating yourself and saying I’m fine, share your mental health issues and seek professional help.
19. Desire to Be a Perfectionist
Thinking of being a perfectionist is good. Every person dreams of being successful by achieving perfection in everything. For this, they start overthinking and make efforts more than their strength. If it becomes habitual, then it not only makes them exhausted but also affects their mental health. It could be a sign or symptom of any existing mental health disorder.
20. Finding the Personality Flaws
Keeping an eye on yourself is appropriate, but it does not mean that you start finding or pointing out the flaws in your personality. For example, if you go outside to any party and after every conversation, you start thinking Did I say something wrong? Am I looking bad? Does that person dislike me?
If it’s your habit, then it is a sign of social anxiety. It’s not normal, as it’s your fear of feeling embarrassed or rejected by others that triggers these thoughts.
21. Excessive Scrolling
You might have experienced such a situation where you are scrolling through social media or any other platform for countless hours, and deep inside, you think that you will relax. But in reality, it is something in your head that is stuck. This is your anxiety or depression, and your mindless browsing is just your coping mechanism.
21. Fits of Crying
If you have no control over crying, whether you are in any private or public place, even without any apparent reason, then this is a sign that your emotional intensity is increased, and then comes out in the form of tears.
22. Alcohol or Substance Abuse
Individuals who are trying to cope with their underlying stress or anxiety become addicted to alcohol or any substance abuse. If it becomes a habit, then it is a major sign of the existence of a mental issue.
23. Periods of Numbness
If you most often remain in a period of numbness where you do not feel any happiness, joy, anger, sadness, grief, or even hunger, then it i,s also a strong indication that you are grappling with any mental health disorder.
24. Emotional Avoidance
It’s good to have and enjoy the feelings. But if you always try to escape from your emotions and always start doing anything when you feel something, then it shows the presence of a mental illness.
What are the Top Ways to Get Rid of Common Habits in the Presence of Mental Issues?
1. Identify the Triggers
Try to identify what triggers your stress, anxiety, or depression. Then find out what the best ways are that you can adopt to defeat your distressing thoughts and their triggers.
2 . Talk to a Professional
If you feel that your habits are getting permanent and negatively interfering with your life functioning, then the first thing that you should do is to talk to a mental health professional and find the best solutions to deal with them.
Experts employ the following options to treat mental health issues:
- Medications
- Psychotherapy, mainly cognitive behavioral therapy
Other ways to diminish the bad habits and overcome the mental issues include:
- Set your goals
- Practice mindfulness and meditation
- Join the support groups
Brainpower Wellness Institute: A Source of Hope to Enlighten Mental Health
Mental health is a blessing and a sign of healthy living. If you are mentally active and stable, then you can cherish each moment of your life with full confidence and courage. However, if you are confronting any mental issue, then it will be hard for you. Instead of silently sitting in a car or alone at any place and indulging your mind in negative thoughts, think about prioritizing your mental health.
At Brainpower Wellness Institute, we are concerned with the mental well-being of each individual, including children, adolescents, and adults. We have a team of mental health professionals who are devoted to assisting each individual by treating their common mental health issues. Whether you are suffering from anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, or ADHD, we have the best, tailored treatment solutions that work for each individual.
Our experts first identify the signs of mental issues through a complete diagnostic evaluation and then develop personalized therapeutic strategies for each individual.
So if you or someone you know is striving for any professional help, then you are in the best place. We have the best solutions that can address all your needs.
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