With the middle of the semester bringing about a great deal of stress and anxiety among college students, it is important to be even more aware of the signs and signals you may see in your family, friends, and even in yourself, that may be a little self-care and help is needed. So take a look at these red flags that may make you think twice about asking someone if they could use a hand, or seeking out for some help yourself.
Being Reserved
We all have our own passions and hobbies that interest us. It may be somewhat of a concern if the things that once excited us don’t seem to draw in our interest anymore. When we begin to draw back from the things that brought us out of our shell, it is a sign of a much deeper problem. Lack of motivation can be signs of unhappiness or depression and it is important to look out for these things and to not take it lightly. If you begin to notice one of your friends losing interest in their previous passions, maybe you should personally invite them to do something that you know they have an interest in, that way you can be sure that they are getting out of their mind for a while.
Snapping Behavior
When we have trouble bottling up inside that we haven’t been able to get out, sometimes we are more likely to snap on others as a way of releasing our anger and frustration. If this were to happen to you, instead of jumping to conclusions, try asking if there is something bothering them and if they want to talk about it. Not everything is exactly how it appears on the surface. Take the time to ask the questions and to reach out a helping hand.
Loss of Appetite
Basic necessities don’t come as easily when we are fighting an internal battle. Simple things such as eating, sleeping and staying hydrated become almost like a chore. When offers to get food or grab coffee are turned down by those who would normally jump at the opportunity, that should be a sign that something isn’t right. Lack of sleep or excessive sleeping are also signs of some mental health issues. That shows a lack of motivation or desire to do daily tasks or anxiety so strong, it is impossible to get enough sleep. Being constantly tired and falling asleep in class or at work is a sign of sleep deprivation. Look out for your friends losing sleep over something that may not be clear to the eye.
With the winter months approaching, seasonal depression is something that will become more and more prominent. It is important to take care of yourself and to look out for the people in your life. Don’t ignore the red flags that pop up during these next few months. Something that you just brush off thinking it’ll just pass may turn into a problem that is harder to handle down the road. Take the time to take care of your body, both physically and mentally, so you can take this semester on with a clear mind and a fueled body.