Are your daily blahs signaling something more?

Do you occasionally find yourself feeling down? Or do the stresses of life sometimes spoil your day?  

We all have bad days from time to time. These bad days were especially prominent during the COVID lockdown where many people experienced a decline in their mental health. But five years later, if you still have frequent feelings of darkness and despair that interfere with how you handle daily activities, it may be time to seek support.

“Persistent feelings of fear, dread or sadness that disrupt your daily life are not just passing moods. They could be signs of anxiety or depression,” says Dr. Munther Barakat, director of behavioral health therapy at Aurora Health Care. “These conditions are serious and should not be ignored. If you notice these feelings are impacting your ability to work, socialize or take care of yourself, reach out for help.”

In addition to persistent fear, anxiety may also carry physical symptoms, like rapid heartbeat and restlessness. Depression typically shows symptoms of debilitating sadness and loss of interest in activities. Fortunately, both mental health conditions are more widely recognized and discussed with less stigma than before the COVID pandemic. 

If you think you might need mental health support, Dr. Barakat suggests these first steps:  

1. See your primary care provider: They can provide a proper diagnosis and connect you to the resources you need, including virtual services.
2. Track your mood: Keeping a mood journal can help you and your health care providers understand patterns and triggers in your mental health. Dr. Barakat recommends using free apps to help track your mental health.
3. Join a support group: Finding a safe space to share your experiences and learn from others who are going through similar challenges can help alleviate feelings of isolation and provide comfort in knowing that you are not alone in your struggles. 
4. Look for community and spiritual connections: Whether it’s through local clubs, religious organizations or volunteer opportunities, connecting with others can help you feel less isolated. 

If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of emotional distress, call or text the suicide & crisis lifeline at 988.    

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