Signs You’re Neglecting Your Mental Health






Have you ever heard someone praise another individual for “just sucking it up and getting on with it”, or “putting your nose to the grindstone and getting things done”, or “simply muscling through”? We tend to place a high value on this idea of “strength” and associate “grit” with ignoring our body and mind’s needs.


We as a society praise individuals who forego their own needs and simply “do what it takes to get things done”.


There’s a real danger in perpetuating this notion that prioritizing our own health equals weakness or lack of determination. In reality, if we really want to succeed in life we need to pay attention to what our bodies are telling us and tend to those need first.


Maybe you’re so used to this “suck it up and keep going” mentality that you don’t even know how to figure out if you need a break. Well, you’re in luck, because your body is most likely telling you - you just have to learn how to recognize it.


Here are just a few signs that your body may give you to let you know you’re neglecting your mental health. 
  1. You’re having trouble focusing and feel indifferent at work/school

  2. Your sleep pattern is off

  3. You are isolating more

  4. You find yourself more irritable or snappy more often than not

  5. You’re experiencing changes in your appetite

  6. You’re losing interest in things you usually love and care about

  7. Your sex drive changes

  8. You have unexpected physical symptoms

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms it’s a good idea to take a break and find a few things you can do to focus on your mental health. Get outside, talk to a friend, do something you really love just for you, or set up a time to talk to a professional counselor.


Mental health support is always important, now even more than ever. If you would like to set up a time to talk please email me at leemiller.therapist@gmail.com or call my office at (310) 614-0323, I would love to put together a plan with you to get your mental health back on track and get you back to enjoying your life to the fullest.