Unlike physical illnesses, most mental health issues do not show visibly noticeable symptoms. You don’t develop a rash or experience joint swelling when your mental health is at a low point. Though less visible, the problems of the mind deserve prompt attention.
Left untreated, a mental health problem can snowball into a severe issue with negative ramifications on a person’s quality of life. Here are some warning signs that tell you when to seek the help of mental health professional.
Intense Emotions
We all experience emotional rollercoasters. We can be happy in the morning and exhausted at the end of the day. However, frequent intense and unpredictable mood swings may indicate an underlying mental health challenge. People struggling with the following disorders usually face high emotional peaks and low valleys:
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Anxiety
- ADHD
Intense bouts of emotions can influence our decisions. In turn, negative actions from our choices become a vicious cycle.
A counselor can provide an objective assessment of your situation and help you develop healthier strategies. Your counselor helps you explore your thoughts, behaviors, and actions to better understand the root of your problems and how you can move past them.
Substance Abuse
Without proper knowledge of how to handle life’s challenges, some people turn to self-destructive coping mechanisms, such as alcohol and drugs. These harmful substances are highly addictive. If you’re using drugs or alcohol to deal with problems, substance abuse can quickly transform into a problem of its own.
If alcoholism or drug use is impacting your relationships or resulting in risky behavior, consider visiting a substance abuse therapist. A mental health professional can help identify the source of your problem.
Sometimes, co-existing mental health issues can increase the likelihood of substance abuse. A mental health professional can design the necessary interventions, so you can:
- Reduce reliance on harmful substances
- Limit the risk of relapse
- Embed healthier habits
Problems With Social Skills
Social skills refer to our ability to interface with other people. It covers the way we express our thoughts and understand what other people are trying to convey. While this may come easily to some people, others find it hard to speak their minds and interpret messages.
Problems with social skills often apply to people with developmental disorders, such as:
- ADHD
- Asperger syndrome
- High-functioning autism
Even people who don’t have developmental disorders can have problems with social skills. An individual who experiences any of these issues may benefit from a counseling session:
- Difficulty connecting with other people
- Feeling out of place in social settings
- Tendency to be reclusive
- Tendency to talk too much
- May not always understand non-verbal cues
- Described as hyper, quirky, or scattered
- Struggles with impulsivity and time management
A counselor has a wide range of tools to improve a person’s social skills. For instance, they may enroll a patient in group therapy, so they can practice communication skills in a controlled environment. This approach aims to reduce stress and improve a person’s confidence over time.
Workplace Problems
If an employee in an organization is having problems, it may manifest in performance decline and absenteeism. They may be prone to making bad judgment calls, not following through on assignments and missing deadlines.
If you’re an employer, consider scheduling a workplace counseling session. Even if your team appears fine on the surface, there may be underlying issues that need to be addressed. A counselor can detect these concerns early and stage the necessary interventions. A workplace counselor can support HR professionals in addressing employee and team performance issues that can impact the organization.
For example, they can improve employees’ executive functioning and communication skills to foster more productive discussions. They can also devise plans that magnify an employee’s strengths and make accommodations for unique needs. Ultimately, both employee and employer benefit from workplace counseling services.
Counseling Services In Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA
If you would like to explore what counseling can do for you, visit Atlanta Specialized Care today. Our mental health counselors take the time to listen to your issues and help you work through them productively. We are dedicated to supporting individuals struggling with problems such as:
- Mood disorders
- Trauma
- Addiction
- Family dynamic issues
- Communication struggles
- Executive functioning issues
Our therapists combine evidence-based interventions with compassionate care. We make sure to equip you with the skills and tools to cope with setbacks over the long run. When medication is deemed appropriate, we have a psychiatric nurse practitioner on staff to evaluate and manage your medication needs.
To schedule an appointment, call us today at (770) 815-6853 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to helping you live a healthier, more enjoyable life!
