Read Article: Are You In Control Of Your Stress?

Stress and anxiety are often related, but stress can more easily be contained. It is a normal physical response to events that make you feel threatened or that could cause an upset. It is also known as the “fight-or-flight” response. However, if the below symptoms persist, it is time to seek help.

• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Poor judgement
• Inability to see the positive in life
• Anxious thoughts
• Constant moodiness or aggression
• Irritability
• Agitation and not being able to relax
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Feeling lonely or isolated
• Depression or feeling unhappy

Chronic stress can be intensely damaging to your physical and mental health. You might find yourself with higher blood pressure due to stress, and could develop an anxiety disorder. We recommend speaking to one of our practitioners to find the root of your stress today.

Read Article: What You Need To Know About Suicide Prevention

Suicidal thoughts, feelings, and urges are commonly found with depressive illnesses such as bipolar disorder and depression. You might also find these feelings surfacing with people who suffer from chronic stress and anxiety. It is important to always take signs of suicidal thoughts seriously, especially in younger people. The following are warning signs to look out for.

• Ideation about suicide
• Substance abuse or use
• No sense of purpose or belonging
• Irrational anger
• A feeling of being trapped
• Withdrawal from life
• Reckless behaviour
• Dramatic changes in mood

If you or someone you love has been experiencing these feelings, it is important to seek the help of a doctor or mental health expert as soon as you can. Alert those closest to the person you suspect is suicidal so that there are more people who can provide the necessary help.

 ⚠︎ A suicidal person should see a doctor or mental health professional immediately. Remember, always take suicidal thoughts or plans seriously!

Read Article: What Is Depression?

In life, we will all experience ups and downs in our mood. These changes can be sparked by reactions to life’s struggles, and sadness is a natural reaction. Many people mistakenly call these feelings “depression”, but in actuality, depression is a much more serious mental health condition. The signs and symptoms to look out for are as follows:

• Feelings of helplessness and a loss of hope
• Loss of interest in activities
• Changes in weight and appetite
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Irritability or restlessness
• A loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Problems with concentration
• Unexplained physical aches and pains

Depression can look different in every person, and it is important to look out for these signs. Teenagers can also be depressed, and their complaints should never be brushed aside as adolescent growing pains. Speaking out about your feelings can help to identify depression.

Schizophrenia is an often misunderstood mental health condition. It is a brain chemistry disorder which affects the manner in which a person acts, thinks, and sees the world. People who suffer from this disorder have an altered perception of reality and might see or hear things that do not exist. There are early warning signs to look out for, as outlined below.

• Withdrawal from social activities
• Hostility or suspicion of others
• Deterioration of personal care
• Expressionless gazes
• Inability to express emotions
• Inappropriate emotions expressed
• Depression
• Oversleeping or insomnia
• Irrational statements
• Inability to concentrate and forgetfulness
• Extreme reactions to criticism
• Unusual manner of speaking

A person suffering from schizophrenia might also experience delusions, hallucinations and disorganised behaviour. If you know someone who might be experiencing these symptoms, the Life Path Health practitioners can provide help where it is needed most.

Read Article: What Is Grief?

Grief is a natural response to experiencing loss in one’s life. You might experience grief when you lose a loved one or a pet, the ending of a relationship, the loss of financial stability, or even the loss of a dream. Grief happens in stages, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The common symptoms of grief are outlined below.

• Shock and disbelief
• Sadness
• Guilt
• Anger
• Fear
• Physical symptoms

Sometimes, people cannot differentiate between grief and clinical depression. It is important to remember that grieving involves both good and bad days, whereas the symptoms related to depression are constant. Getting support while grieving can help to make the process easier to manage, especially if it is for a significant loss.

Read Article: What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder causes people to experience two extreme mood changes, namely mania and depression. During the periods of mania or hypomania, people might feel excessively happy and impulsive. During the depressed phases, they will feel excessively sad and even suicidal. Some of the symptoms of the disorder are explained below.

• Mania or hypomania
• Feelings of depression
• Difficulty maintaining relationships
• Feelings of superiority or grandiosity
• Restlessness
• A short attention span
• Significant weight loss
• Sluggishness
• Guilt
• Hyperactivity

The diagnosis of bipolar disorder is not made through blood or imagining tests. Our practitioners base their decision on a comprehensive medical and psychological history examination. If you or someone close to you experiences any of the above symptoms on a daily basis, it might be time to seek treatment.

Read Article: What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychological and physical disorder that often follows traumatic events where a real physical threat or psychological disempowerment was experienced. PTSD is a normal response to such traumatic events but can become a serious and debilitating condition if it is not treated. The symptoms of PTSD are explained below.

• Agitation, irritability or hostility
• Social isolation
• Mistrust of people and environments
• Trouble sleeping
• Self-destructive behaviour
• Intrusive memories
• Emotional numbness

We offer trauma-focused psychological treatment such as cognitive behaviour therapy. It helps to bring about a positive change in behaviour, thought patterns, and feelings. There are also medications available to enhance this therapy, as PTSD sufferers might also have underlying issues. Let our professionals help with targeted programmes.