Do you go for regular physical check-ups? If your answer is yes, do you also make time for regular mental health check-ups?

Many people will say no to the second question, for a variety of reasons. Two of the most common are that mental health is more complicated to diagnose, and the results are more sensitive in nature. Let’s look at a step-by-step guide to checking in on your mental health.

Step 1: Keep looking out for the common symptoms

The first step to doing a mental health check-in is to ask yourself if you have any of these
symptoms:

  • Sleeplessness: Is your mind working overtime?
  • Difficulty being with people: Do you find that you’re no longer feeling comfortable with people you would usually be happy to spend time with?
  • Moodiness: Do your moods fluctuate dramatically and frequently?
  • Changes in eating habits: Are you either losing or gaining weight?
  • Unable to relax: Are you struggling to feel calm and relaxed in situations that would not normally stress you out?

If you answered yes to one or more of the questions above, it’s time to move on to step 2.

Step 2: Complete a self-reflection questionnaire

The Post Trauma Institute suggests that you regularly take the time to write the answers to these types of questions down in a journal. You must be honest with yourself:

  • Have my sleeping habits changed? Do I wake up and fall asleep at regular times? When I sleep, how would I describe the quality of my rest?
  • How has my appetite increased or decreased recently?
  • Am I having trouble focusing at work or at school? Can I concentrate on the things I want to do? Am I finding pleasure in things that usually make me happy?
  • Am I socialising with my friends as much as I usually do? How about spending time with my family? Am I withdrawing or pulling away from those around me who matter?
  • Do I feel as if I’m maintaining a healthy balance between leisure, myself, my career, physical activity, and those I care about? How about other things that matter to me?
  • How relaxed do I feel most of the time, out of 10? Is this the same, more or less than usual?
  • How do I feel most of the time? Happy? Anxious? Satisfied? Sad?
  • What are my energy levels like when I finish my day? Are there any significant changes in my level of tiredness?
  • Am I experiencing any extreme emotions or mood swings? Am I having any suicidal thoughts, breakdowns or panic attacks?

If you feel that your answers are cause for concern, it’s time to move on to step 3.

Step 3: Speak to a counsellor

There are counsellors and psychologists who’re professionally trained to help you. If finances are an issue, there are also free resources that you can look into. The worst thing you can do is isolate, and ignore the symptoms.

You and your immediate family have access to the ICAS EWP which provides an omnichannel point of access.Written by LifeAssist