Put you and your mental health on check
World Mental Health Day gives us the chance to raise awareness for mental health issues that may touch many of us at one time or another. It’s been reported that higher levels of stress and anxiety are seen amongst adults. Mental Health issues could be different things; a feeling of uncertainty in our jobs, financial concerns, professional or personal relationships, child care, or dozens of other things. Stress and anxiety are normal reactions to worrisome situations. However, the question is, what is the right amount of stress?
Stephen Graves, LMFT, program manager of Adult Services at LLU Behavioral Medicine Center in Murrieta, offers insight on when it is time to seek help. “The answer is different for each of us,” says Graves.
Here are some indicators of when it might be time to seek professional support:
- If stress or anxiety are interfering with work, school or personal relationships.
- You are experiencing persistent sleep issues.
- Stress and anxiety are stopping you from doing the things you enjoy.
- You feel isolated from others.
- You are having trouble concentrating.
- You are experiencing an increase in the use of unhealthy coping skills.
- You have experienced thoughts of self-harm.
In addition, anxiety and stress can impact our physical health. Anxiety and stress can be related to headaches, chronic pain or digestion problems. If you’ve noticed your anxiety is impacting your physical health, it’s even more important to seek help.
More information about about services available at Loma Linda University Behavioral Health is available online.