What more people are coming to realize is that to be healthy is a lot more than just eating the right foods, exercising, and getting good sleep at night. There are a lot of factors that play a role in the stability of your physical and mental well-being. In order to stay on top of your health, it is imperative that you listen and pay attention to signs your mind or body might be sending you. What you may have brushed off as nothing more than an off day, could essentially be something more.
How do you know when your health is declining? If you’re concerned about a friend or family member, how do you know when they might need help? The answer, isn’t always as cut and dry as you might imagine. Below, are a few physical and psychological signals that you shouldn’t ignore:
Skin Imperfections
One of the first signs that something is going on internally are skin problems. If your skin is otherwise fine but you start to notice rashes, bumps, or abrasions, these are signs that shouldn’t be ignored. Skin problems can be the sign of a host of things from poor diet to hormonal imbalances and other significant health problems. Try things like switching up your diet, drinking more water, and following a strict skincare routine. If that does not resolve the matter, you should reach out to your doctor for further analysis.
Sleeping Problems
It’s ideal for adults to get at least 8 to 10 hours of sleep at night. Too much sleep or too little sleep, therefore, can alter your physical and mental health. If you or your partner been having a hard time getting to sleep, staying asleep, or you’ve been sleeping in more than usual, there are things you can do. This includes creating a comfortable sleeping environment, creating a bedtime routine, steering clear of triggers like caffeine or watching the news before bed. If there is no relief, you need to see a doctor.
Self-Medicating
Life isn’t always sweet. Yet when circumstances or a series of events get the best of you emotionally, how you cope with it is extremely significant. If you’re using meth to boost your energy and improve your mood or drinking more alcohol as a means of numbing your pain or despair, this is self-medicating and can be very dangerous. If you or someone close to you is showing signs of meth use or any other harmful substance, it is vital that you seek treatment from a trusted rehab facility.
Self-Harming
Another sign of declining mental health is self-harming. When you or someone you care about are feeling especially stressed, depressed, or anxious about something and inflict harm on yourself as a means of coping, this is very dangerous. Seeking help from a mental health professional is advised. Self-harming, believe it or not, is also an indicator that something is going on with your dog. In fact, emotional stress is at the top of the list of what causes hotspots on dogs. Hotspots are irritated, inflamed, patches of skin. If you notice this in your pooch, you need to get to the vet.
Bad Breath
Consistent bad breath despite your best efforts to maintain proper oral hygiene is a sign that something is going on internally. It could be a red flag that you have gingivitis, tooth decay, or untreated cavities that need to be addressed. Failure to do so could lead to diabetes, heart problems, and the need for major dental surgeries. Visit your dentist at least twice a year for optimum oral health. If you notice things like pain or bad breath, you need to pay your dentist a visit right away.
Lack of Energy
When you lead a busy lifestyle, it’s not uncommon to feel a bit more tired than usual. However, if you’re getting a good night’s sleep and find that you’re still fatigued the next day, this is a serious issue. You could be suffering from anything from vitamin B or iron deficiency to thyroid problems. Try managing your sleep better and eating foods high in energy boosting nutrients. If you still feel fatigued after a few days, you may be suffering from a deficiency or something more serious that needs to be assessed.
The mind and body have a way of letting you know when something is going on with your health. If you or someone you care about has displayed any of the above symptoms, they are not to be ignored. You can start by trying to make adjustments to your lifestyle, however, if there is no improvement visiting a doctor, therapist, dermatologist, rehab facility, and even a veterinarian may be necessary to improve your overall well-being.