Mental Health Awareness Month Blog Series
We all have moments when life feels heavy. But how do you know when a rough patch is more than just a passing phase? Seeking help for your mental health can feel daunting, but it’s a brave and necessary step toward healing. Here are some signs that it may be time to reach out for support.
1. Your Emotions Feel Overwhelming or Unmanageable
If sadness, anger, fear, or hopelessness feel like they’re taking over your daily life — and you’re struggling to function — it may be more than just stress. Constant emotional overwhelm can signal depression, anxiety, or trauma-related conditions.
2. You’re Withdrawing from People or Activities You Used to Enjoy
Isolation can be both a symptom and a contributor to poor mental health. If you find yourself canceling plans, ignoring texts, or avoiding things that once brought you joy, it might be time to check in with a mental health professional.
3. You’re Using Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
Turning to alcohol, drugs, food, or excessive screen time to numb or escape difficult feelings may provide short-term relief — but these patterns often worsen emotional distress over time. Support can help you build healthier ways to cope.
4. Your Sleep or Appetite Has Changed Dramatically
Significant changes in sleep (too much or too little) or appetite can be key indicators of emotional distress. If you’re exhausted but can’t sleep, or if you’re overeating or skipping meals regularly, your body may be telling you something’s off.
5. You Feel Constantly On Edge, Irritable, or Anxious
Chronic worry, restlessness, irritability, and a sense of impending doom are all signs that anxiety might be impacting your daily life. Therapy and support can help you understand and manage these feelings.
6. You’ve Experienced a Major Life Change or Loss
Grief, job loss, divorce, illness, or trauma can shake our emotional foundation. Even if you think you’re “supposed to handle it,” professional support can help you process and move forward in a healthy way.
7. You’re Struggling to Meet Basic Responsibilities
If you’re having trouble getting out of bed, going to work, caring for your hygiene, or keeping up with daily tasks, this may signal that your mental health is suffering — and that help is needed.
8. You’ve Had Thoughts of Harming Yourself or Ending Your Life
If you’ve had thoughts of self-harm or suicide, know this: you are not alone, and there is help available. These thoughts are a sign of deep pain — not weakness. Please reach out to a trusted person, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Getting Support Is a Strength, Not a Weakness
There’s no wrong time to reach out. You don’t have to wait until you’re in crisis to seek support. Therapists, counselors, support groups, and other resources exist to help you navigate challenges, build coping skills, and rediscover hope.
You are worthy of care — right now, exactly as you are.
Imagine Recovery Is Here for You
If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health or substance use challenges, Imagine Recovery offers compassionate, evidence-based care in a supportive environment. Our programs are designed to meet you where you are — whether you need structured treatment or simply a place to begin healing.
Call us today at (504) 605-4095 to schedule a confidential consultation.
You don’t have to do this alone — and you don’t have to wait.
