6 Mental Health Signs to Be Aware of in Tough Times

There’s no two ways about it: We are living in unprecedented times. From extreme and catastrophic weather events to shifting political and economic landscapes, everyday life can feel unsafe, chaotic, and challenging. 

With so much uncertainty, it can be difficult to decipher what’s a “normal” reaction to circumstances and what are warning signs that your mental health is suffering (and sometimes, it can be both). To help you out, here are 6 warning signs to be aware of.

Feeling Easily Overwhelmed or Overstimulated

When you’re constantly bombarded with information and stimuli, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and overstimulated. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and even panic. You might find yourself feeling easily agitated, restless, or constantly on edge.¹

Tips to help you when you’re feeling overwhelmed include:

• Limit your exposure to news and social media. Set a time limit for when you feel the need to watch the news or check your feed.
• Practice relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, which can help calm your nervous system.
• Take short breaks throughout the day. 
• Say “no” more often, and don’t overcommit yourself.

Feeling Emotionally Numb or Indifferent

Sometimes, it feels like the only way to protect our mental health is to emotionally check out. However, feeling numb, indifferent, or experiencing a lack of interest in things that used to bring you joy are common symptoms of depression. You might find yourself withdrawing from activities and relationships and feeling hopeless or unmotivated, which can create a dangerous cycle of isolation and worsening mental health.

Some things you can do when you’re feeling numb:

• Try to do things you used to enjoy—even if you don’t feel like it at first.
• Spend time with people who care about you and make you feel good.
• Set small, achievable goals, starting with small tasks and gradually working up to bigger goals.
• Get professional help, especially if your symptoms interfere with your daily life. Don’t accept this is how things are or wait for things to worsen before reaching out. A mental health check-up can provide you with the tools you need to manage your symptoms and improve your well-being.

Increased Irritability or Anger

Anger is a normal and sometimes healthy reaction to certain events or circumstances. Everyone gets angry occasionally, but if you feel increasingly irritable or angry, it could be a sign that you’re struggling. Anger can be a symptom of underlying mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or trauma.^1,3

If you notice that you’re more angry than usual and don’t know why, here are some things you can try: 

• Identify your triggers. What sets you off?
• Learn healthy coping mechanisms for managing your anger, such as deep breathing, exercise, or taking a break from the situation.
• Consider talking to a therapist or counselor to help you understand and manage your anger.

Getting Stuck in Negative Thought Patterns

When you’re feeling down or overwhelmed, it can be easy to fall into negative thought patterns. These can include things like catastrophizing (assuming the worst will happen), black-and-white thinking (seeing things as all good or all bad), or personalizing (blaming yourself for everything). Negative thought patterns can also be a symptom of depression or anxiety.^1,3

What can you do when you’re stuck in negative thought patterns? Here are some things you can try:

• Examine your negative thoughts. Are they actually true? When you’re feeling down, it’s easy to get caught in a spiral of negativity, but it’s important to remember that these thoughts are not facts.
• Practice gratitude. Focus on the good things in your life, however small, and challenge yourself to find things to be grateful for.
• Consider talking to a therapist or counselor to help you identify and change your negative thought patterns.

Isolating Yourself

When the world feels like it’s closing in, it can be tempting to close yourself off from it. While taking a break from social media, the news, or even spending a weekend alone to recharge can be healthy and restorative, long-term isolation can be detrimental to your mental health. Humans are social creatures, and we need connection to thrive.²

If you think you may be isolating yourself too much, try to:

• Schedule time with friends and family, even for a quick coffee date or a phone call.
• Join a club or group based on your interests.
• If you’re not ready for in-person interaction, consider joining an online community based on your interests.

Substance Use

Many people use substances like drugs and alcohol to cope with stress and difficult emotions. While moderate use might not be cause for concern for some people, it’s important to be aware of your usage and how it’s affecting your life. Increased use, using alone, or using substances to avoid responsibilities or obligations can be signs of a substance use disorder.³

While it can be challenging to take a look at your substance use, it’s essential to be honest with yourself about how it’s affecting your life. Ask yourself:

• Has your substance use increased over time? Be honest with yourself about how much and how often you drink or use drugs.
• Are you drinking or using drugs alone?
• Are you using substances to avoid your responsibilities or feeling difficult emotions?
• Have you tried to cut back but aren’t really able to?
• Is your substance use affecting your relationships, work, or other areas of your life?

If you’re worried about your substance use, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional or reach out for help from a professional rehab facility near you.

Finding Mental Health Help Near You

It may be tempting to put off a mental health tune-up when it feels like other situations or events are a bigger priority. However, prioritizing your emotional and mental well-being is not a luxury—it’s an investment that equips you to navigate challenges more effectively and perform at your best.

If you’re struggling or need extra support, it’s time to reach out. American Addiction Centers’ nationwide network of treatment centers provides comprehensive care for addiction, co-occurring disorders, and primary mental health concerns. Our accredited facilities and expert staff offer personalized treatment, empowering you to reclaim your life and embark on a journey to lasting wellness. You deserve to feel happy, healthy, and whole. Call us at and start your journey towards healing and well-being.