Am I Losing My Mind? Signs To Watch For And What To Do

Sleep Problems: More Than Just Insomnia

One of the first signs of emotional distress is a change in your sleep patterns. If you find yourself lying awake at night, unable to sleep, or waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to fall back asleep, stress or anxiety could be the culprit. On the other hand, sleeping too much, perhaps to avoid facing the day, can also indicate a deeper issue.

Sleep disturbances are often one of the earliest signs that emotional distress is impacting your body. If you’re feeling exhausted but can’t seem to sleep well, or if sleep is taking over your day, it’s time to take notice.

What to Do: If sleep issues persist for several weeks, consider consulting with a healthcare professional. They can help you figure out whether the problem is physical, emotional, or both. If it’s emotional, individual therapy can help you work through the underlying issues that are keeping you awake.

Mood Swings and Irritability

Frequent mood swings or feeling easily irritated over small things is another sign that stress and emotional strain might be at play. If you’re noticing that your patience is running thin with family, friends, or coworkers, or you’re experiencing sudden, intense emotional shifts, it could be a signal that something’s off with your mental health.

When we’re under a lot of stress, our emotional regulation becomes harder, and small issues can quickly escalate into big problems.

What to Do: If mood swings are affecting your relationships or your daily life, it may be time to reach out to a professional. Therapy can help you understand what triggers these emotions and offer strategies to regain control.

Chronic Fatigue and Exhaustion

Feeling persistently tired or drained, even after a good night’s rest, can be another sign of emotional stress. When your mind is under constant pressure, your body may begin to shut down as a way to cope. Chronic fatigue may manifest as an overwhelming sense of exhaustion that doesn’t seem to improve, no matter how much sleep you get.

What to Do: If you feel drained for weeks on end without an obvious cause, it's a good idea to discuss it with a healthcare provider. Sometimes, chronic fatigue is also linked to mental health struggles, including anxiety or depression.

Inability to Focus or Make Decisions

When you feel as though your mind is racing and you can’t concentrate on one thing for long, it can be an overwhelming experience. Memory lapses or difficulty focusing can be common symptoms of stress or anxiety, which can disrupt your ability to stay present or make decisions.

If you find that you’re forgetting simple tasks or struggling to focus on work, it could be a sign that your mental health is in need of attention. These symptoms can cause frustration and make daily tasks more challenging than usual.

What to Do: If forgetfulness and lack of focus persist, talk to your doctor. Also, it’s important to take intentional breaks and schedule time to process what might be causing this mental fog.

Physical Symptoms Without a Clear Cause

Sometimes, emotional distress manifests physically. You might start experiencing unexplained headaches, stomach problems, or even chronic back pain. These physical symptoms can be a result of emotional stress, especially if medical tests don’t reveal a physical cause.

What to Do: Don’t ignore physical symptoms. A thorough check-up at your doctor’s can rule out physical issues, and a mental health professional can work with you to resolve the root issue.

Social Withdrawal

If you’re avoiding social interactions or withdrawing from activities you once enjoyed, this is another indicator that you might be struggling emotionally. Social isolation can happen when you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, and it’s a common sign that your mind is not in a healthy place.

If you once enjoyed spending time with friends and family but now find yourself avoiding them, it’s worth looking deeper into why this change is happening.

What to Do: Isolation can worsen mental health problems, so it's important to address it. Reaching out to a therapist or trusted individuals (even if it’s just one friend for a short activity) can help reintroduce balance to your life.

Anger or Irritability

Do you feel like you're constantly on edge, or do you frequently explode in anger over little things? Difficulty controlling your anger, especially in situations where you once would have been calm, is a big indicator that emotional stress is taking its toll on your well-being. If you often lose your temper with those close to you, it's essential to pay attention to these signs.

What to Do: Journalling can help you learn how to manage these feelings and identify what might be causing them. Anger management is an important aspect of emotional health, and with support and practice, you can better cope with these intense emotions.

Constant Worrying or Obsessive Thoughts

If you feel consumed by worry or anxiety, to the point where it affects your daily functioning, it’s time to take a closer look at your mental health. Obsessive thoughts, especially if they revolve around worst-case scenarios, can leave you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. If these worries are preventing you from living your life, you might start to wonder, “Am I losing my mind?”

What to Do: Occupying yourself with activities you enjoy and having conversations with friends provide you with the tools and support to stop the cycle of constant worry and manage your obsessive thoughts. Learning mindfulness techniques and other strategies can also help you regain control.

Changes in Sexual Desire

A drop in sexual desire can sometimes be a sign of emotional distress. If you no longer feel interested in sex or pleasure, even in a healthy relationship, there could be an underlying cause tied to stress, anxiety, or depression.

What to Do: If this change in your sexual desire persists, it may be time to have an open conversation with a therapist. Mental health plays a huge role in how we experience intimacy and desire, and professional counseling can help address these feelings.

Taking Action: How to Seek Help

If you’re noticing any of these signs in yourself, it’s important to take action. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and addressing emotional distress early can prevent it from becoming a bigger issue. If you're looking for support, consider reaching out to The Howard Center for Wellness. Our experienced professionals can help you navigate through your struggles with compassion and understanding, and provide healthy coping strategies to manage your emotional wellbeing. With in-person and virtual sessions available, there are flexible options to suit your needs.