We all go through ups and downs. It’s completely normal to feel negative emotions such as sadness, disappointment or anger at times. But, it’s also important to recognise when it’s time to seek help.
Here are some signs you can look out for:
Difficulties managing emotions. Is how you feel interfering in work, school or other areas in your daily life? Are you feeling:
Experiencing unhelpful thoughts, such as:
Relationship problems. When we experience mental health difficulties, problems can show up in our relationships. We may have trouble regulating our emotions and enter into conflicts, or we may retreat and avoid connecting with loved ones.
Difficulties sleeping. Stress can often impact sleep. When our mind is racing, or our body feels tense it can be difficult to wind down for sleep. Sleeping too much can also be a symptom of low mood or depression.
Substance use/abuse. To manage overwhelming emotions, some people may use alcohol or drugs to feel better in the moment. However, use of substances can make mental health symptoms worse. For example, alcohol contributes to a more anxious, sad and angry mood. There are a number of other healthy coping strategies that can help manage overwhelming emotions.
If it’s time to seek help, we encourage you to book in with a mental health professional. Psychologists and counselors can help you navigate how you’re feeling and can support you to develop healthy and effective coping strategies.
We know there are barriers to accessing professional help. This could be because of long wait times or, due to a lack of financial means. However, this doesn’t mean you have to go through challenging times alone! Can you confide in a trusted friend or family member? Opening up and sharing your experience can help you better process your feelings. It’s important to feel supported, especially through challenging times.
