Signs It’s Time for a Mental Health Check-In
Even though our mental health is just as important as physical health, it often goes overlooked. Many people find it challenging to recognize when it’s time for a mental health check-in. But just like we visit the doctor for regular physical check-ups, it’s crucial to pay attention to the signs that suggest it’s time to take care of our mental well-being.
Signs of Good Mental Health
Good mental health is characterized by emotional and psychological well-being that allows us to function effectively, adapt to life’s challenges, and experience a positive quality of life. Some of the most common signs of good mental health include:
- Positive Self-Esteem. People with good mental health generally have a positive self-image. They feel confident and accept themselves, including their strengths and weaknesses.
- Emotional Resilience. Emotionally healthy individuals can cope with life’s ups and downs. They bounce back from setbacks and are adaptable in the face of stress and adversity.
- Emotional Awareness. Being in tune with and expressing your emotions in a healthy way is a sign of good mental health.
- Healthy Relationships. Maintaining positive, supportive, and fulfilling relationships with others is a crucial aspect of good mental health. Healthy connections with family, friends, and colleagues contribute to well-being.
- Effective Communication. Good mental health often involves the ability to express thoughts and feelings clearly and assertively. This facilitates healthy interactions and minimizes misunderstandings.
- Stress Management. Being able to manage stress is essential for good mental health. Healthy individuals can employ various stress-reduction techniques and have healthy coping mechanisms.
- Resilience in the Face of Challenges. Maintaining a positive outlook, navigating challenges with resilience, and learning from setbacks are key indicators of good mental health.
- Self-Care. Prioritizing self-care is a sign of good mental health. This includes relaxing, resting, and engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
- Balanced Emotions. Emotionally healthy individuals experience a wide range of emotions but can manage them in a balanced way. They don’t get overwhelmed by negative emotions and can enjoy positive experiences.
- Sleep and Energy. Good mental health often comes with a regular sleep pattern and ample energy. People with good mental health are not consistently fatigued or suffering from sleep disturbances.
- Enjoyment of Life. People with good mental health find joy and satisfaction in their daily lives. They can appreciate the present moment and find pleasure in simple things.
- Effective Problem-Solving. Good mental health involves analyzing problems, finding solutions, and approaching challenges with a clear and rational mindset.
- Self-Awareness. Awareness of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors is a hallmark of good mental health. Self-reflection and self-awareness are vital for personal growth.
Signs It’s Time For A Mental Health Check-In
Good mental health doesn’t mean being happy all the time; it means having the tools and resilience to navigate life’s challenges and maintain overall well-being. Even though mental health exists on a spectrum, and everyone has ups and downs, some common signs that it’s time for a mental health check-in include:
- Persistent Feelings of Sadness or Anxiety. One of the most apparent signs that you may need a mental health check-in is having constant feelings of sadness or anxiety. It’s normal to experience occasional bouts of sadness or anxiety, but when these emotions become overwhelming and linger for weeks or even months, it’s time to seek help. If you find it challenging to shake off these feelings and they interfere with your daily life, it’s clear that something may be amiss.
- Changes in Sleep Patterns. Your sleep patterns can be a reflection of your mental well-being. If you notice significant changes in your sleep, such as insomnia or oversleeping, it can be a sign of underlying mental health issues. Sleep disturbances can be both a cause and a consequence of mental health problems, so addressing these issues is essential for your overall well-being.
- Loss of Interest in Activities. A lack of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed is a common sign of depression. If you find yourself withdrawing from hobbies, social interactions, or things that used to bring you joy, it’s time to take a closer look at your mental health. This loss of interest can signal that something is affecting your emotional well-being.
- Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions. Mental health issues can also impact your cognitive abilities. If you’re having trouble concentrating, making decisions, or staying focused, it could be a sign that your mental health needs attention. Cognitive difficulties can affect your work, relationships, and daily functioning, making it essential to address these issues promptly.
- Increased Irritability and Mood Swings. Noticeable changes in your mood and increased irritability can be indicative of an underlying mental health problem. If you’re snapping at loved ones or coworkers or experiencing mood swings that are out of character for you, it’s a sign that you may need to talk to a mental health professional. These emotional shifts can impact your relationships and overall quality of life.
- Physical Symptoms with No Clear Cause. The mind and body are deeply connected, and mental health issues can manifest as physical symptoms. Unexplained headaches, digestive problems, muscle tension, and other physical symptoms can be a reflection of stress, anxiety, or depression. If you’re experiencing physical symptoms with no apparent cause, consider discussing these with a mental health expert.
- Social Withdrawal. Isolating yourself from friends and family is a typical response to mental health issues. If you’re avoiding social interactions, canceling plans, or withdrawing from your support network, it’s a significant red flag. Human connection is essential for mental well-being; isolation can exacerbate existing problems.
Let Us Help You Assess & Improve Your Mental Health
Recognizing the signs that it’s time for a mental health check-in is the first step toward taking care of your emotional well-being. Just like you wouldn’t ignore physical symptoms that indicate a health issue, don’t neglect your mental health. Seeking help from a mental health professional is a proactive and healthy way to address these concerns and work toward a happier and more balanced life. Remember, there’s no shame in seeking support when you need it. Doing so can make a world of difference in your overall well-being. Contact us today to learn more.
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Have A Midwest Recovery Centers' Team Member Call You Today.
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Staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Medical
Midwest Recovery Centers believes strongly in a client-centered approach. Substance Use Disorder is not what it was 5 or even 2 years ago. The substances on the street are constantly changing and so are the number of contraindications and fatal threats that substance use imposes on the person suffering. Our Medical team continues to stay up to speed with new advances of evidence-based approaches in treating those with both substance use disorder as well as their co-occurring mental health diagnosis. There are many varying pieces to each client’s situation when it comes to tackling the puzzle of a medical detox, and each step in the treatment planning is carefully selected, reviewed, and communicated for the best possible outcome of each client. We understand that consideration of the medical history, family history, past trauma, past and current substance use are all key indicators to most effectively give each client the best chance at developing a recovery process. Each client may present with a different scope of medical needs whether it’s their blood work or the most effective medications for them. Midwest Recovery Centers is proud to have the finest medical team to meet these individual and specific needs of each client that walks through our doors.
Clinical
When it comes to the therapeutic treatment of patients with substance use disorder, Midwest Recovery Centers believes in a client-centered approach guided by evidence-based practices. Substance use disorder has been identified by the American Medical Association as a disease, but because addiction is a disease that impacts behavior, treatment of this disease is often heavily focused on modifying behaviors and thoughts as well as establishing a new way of life. We place a strong emphasis on educating patients about this chronic illness and empowering them to practice treating it as such. Our clinical team is composed of leading experts in the field. We believe in having a staff as diverse as the clients we serve; from Licensed Professional Counselors to Licensed Clinical Social Workers, our staff is highly trained and educated in not only addiction but the mental health issues and life circumstances that often accompany it. Many of our clinicians have their own personal experience in long term recovery which lends them to an even better understanding of what our patients are experiencing. Our staff is highly skilled in choosing the most effective therapeutic modality for each client’s needs, to give them the best chance of securing the recovery process that will change their lives. Our clinical team understands that this is a family disease. This is why clinicians will offer weekly updates to families as well as concrete tools for families to utilize as they journey through this illness with their loved one. Those tools will be offered by the patient’s individual clinician as well as at our free Family Night on the first Wednesday of each month, offered to anyone in the community.
Our Origin Story
I began Midwest Recovery in honor of my mother, Betty Lou Wallace, who taught me responsibility in life and sobriety.
Mom was born, raised, and lived most of her life in Missouri, a state I'm still proud to call home. She had five children. The youngest were my older brother Don and me.
We knew that the disease of addiction ran in the family, but it wasn't until Don and I grew older that we realized we were falling into addictive patterns. Through it all, Mom was supportive of her children but firm about one principle: whether the disease was inherited or developed through your environment, you were responsible for your recovery from addiction.
"I will be supportive of your recovery but I will not enable your addiction," she was fond of saying.
Ultimately, I stayed sober from 1990 to 1997, when I relapsed. With Mom's support, I was able to get sober again in 2002. Tragically, Don was not so lucky. He passed away in 2005 from complications of an injury and continued addiction.
Mom wanted no parent to suffer from the sorrow and anguish of losing a child, so in 2002, she helped me establish my first treatment center business.
As Mom grew older, she shared with me some lessons she had learned through her affiliation with Al-Anon, a support group for family members of loved ones struggling with addiction. She asked me to stay clean and sober one day at a time and to use the lessons I learned in my own recovery to help others who were suffering.
In 2008, Mom passed away from throat cancer, one day after my six year sober anniversary. I still remember that one of the last times we spoke, she told me she was proud of my recovery.
Mom would be so happy to know that myself, our partners, and our team are carrying on her legacy in her home state. I don't know if my own recovery process would be intact without her and the lessons she shared. So much of what we share with our clients at Midwest began with Betty Lou.
Above all, Mom imparted several teachings that I carry with me every day: that people are inherently good, and if they fall into addiction, this makes them sick, not bad. She taught me to be patient, tolerant, loving, and kind to myself and to others.
Most of all, she taught me that recovery works if we are able to be honest with ourselves about our own behavior. That’s what she helped me accomplish and that’s what we strive to accomplish with every Midwest client.
On behalf of Betty Lou, I thank you for your interest in Midwest Recovery.
Jeff Howard
Start Your Recovery Now!
Have A Midwest Recovery Centers' Team Member Call You Today.
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The Role of Self-Care in Sustaining Recovery
Self-care is a cornerstone of successful long-term recovery from substance abuse. It involves adopting practices that promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being, helping individuals manage stress and maintain sobriety.
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The stigma surrounding substance abuse is a significant barrier to seeking treatment. Many individuals delay getting help because of fear, shame, or judgment.
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Substance abuse takes a significant toll on the body, often leading to poor nutrition and weakened health. At Midwest Recovery Centers, we emphasize the importance of proper nutrition as part of a holistic recovery plan.
