i am a psychologist.7 Signs Your Friend Needs Your Help

The rapid pace of modern life means that an outburst of anger over a strange ignored text or an expensive bill can go unnoticed.

But according to Thema Bryant, Ph.D., president of the American Psychological Association, subtle changes in a loved one could be a sign that your friend is suffering from mental health issues.

She said everyone stresses out in a different way, and explained seven signs that suggest you need to check in on your friends, even when the changes seem harmless.

Pictured above are 7 warning signs that your friend may need your help.These are indicators and the list is by no means exhaustive

It is estimated that about 26% of Americans suffer from mental disorders. But there are indications that this level may be rising nationwide.

Just this week, the CDC reported that suicide has become the second leading cause of death for people under 35.

They didn’t specify why, but experts have previously blamed the economic and psychological impact of the pandemic on it.

slow reply to text

Dr. Bryant told DailyMail.com that one of the most common signs someone is suffering emotionally is when they start to close themselves in.

This may include simple symptoms such as taking longer to respond to emails or meeting friends less frequently.

“If you haven’t heard from me in a while, or if you’re usually available but not now. (As you can see) change based on text frequency.

She explained: “If they were people who usually responded within a day, now if it’s been more than a day, or if it’s been a few hours within an hour, It marks a change from your normal level of communication.”

People sometimes self-isolate when they are depressed as a coping mechanism or to gain more control over their lives when they are overwhelmed.

pick skin, hair, or nails

Another warning sign that everything is going wrong is picking your skin, hair, or nails regularly.

Experts say repetitive behaviors are often caused by feelings of nervousness and anxiety, which are relieved by picking.

Picking skin is a medically recognized condition called dermatosis. An estimated 1 in 20 people will have this condition at some point in their lives.

Dr. Thema said people start picking parts of their bodies because “there are no words to name their afflictions, and they are physical representations of it.”

Many people pluck their bodies, but the signs that someone is plucking because of their emotions can be doing it without realizing it or happening when they’re angry or stressed.

Picking may result in cuts, bleeding, or bruising, or someone may be picking to “smooth” a mole, freckle, or blemish.

suicidal story

It’s easy to miss a depressing comment from a friend while enjoying a cup of coffee or dining out.

But Dr. Thema urged people to pay attention to comments like “Why would you hire me?”

She told DailyMail.com that emotionally troubled friends might say things like, “Oh, why would anyone hire me?” He said he couldn’t.

“(It’s) when people show a sense of hopelessness, helplessness, and the feeling that things will never get better.

“They may also have lost the joy of things they used to enjoy, but not anymore.”

Scared of pets or children

If someone’s children or pets appear frightened, they may actually be in emotional distress.

According to Dr. Thema, when people are stressed or feel stuck, they tend to hold back their emotions and take them out on the people closest to them.

“Some people may take their frustrations out on other people or pets,” she told DailyMail.com.

“Pets and children may be abused because, for example, they feel helpless or stressed at work and go home to take their frustrations out on their families.

“Somebody’s dog or cat looks scared, and it doesn’t look good (could be a sign).”

She said that a lot of the time people think about their families and jobs and try not to say anything.

But it’s worth pointing out that if you’re in a close enough relationship with someone, there are other ways to deal with what they’re going through.

sudden weight loss or weight gain

Dr. Tema said a more common sign of mental health problems can be sudden weight fluctuations.

People with depression may start eating less because of negative emotions and loss of interest in activities they enjoy.

Conversely, they may eat more to cope with their emotions or because they are less active.

Are overbearing parents responsible for the explosion in children’s mental health problems?

Intimidating parents are exploding mental health problems in children, research suggests.

A Florida research team found that parental goodwill robs children of essential time to play, walk around and be active independently.

Researchers who analyzed 80 studies found that children have been spending less time playing independently since the 1970s.

Currently, 9 out of 10 school administrators say their students are battling moderate or severe mental health problems.

“It’s important to remember that there are a lot of things that can go wrong,” said David Bjorklund, Ph.D., a psychologist at Florida Atlantic University just north of Miami who led the study.

“But they rarely hear the countervailing message that children need more and more opportunities for independent activity in order to adapt and grow.

“(This includes) independent play and meaningful contributions to the life of their families and communities. This is a sign that they are trustworthy, responsible and competent.”

“At the same time, weight gain can be caused by depression. is.”

Hoarding “Clutter”

Stacking things at home can be another sign that someone is suffering emotionally, Dr. Thema said.

This includes clothing, books, sentimental items, and other items that give you a sense of comfort, security, and control.

Hoarding may be a coping mechanism for dealing with difficult emotions and may provide a sense of relief from negative emotions, says Dr. Thema.

Sudden snapping over trifles

If a friend suddenly explodes in anger over something as small as a high bill, it may be a sign that they are suffering emotionally.

Dr. Thema says you can spot angry snaps when someone seems to have a disproportionate angry response to something relatively trivial.

This may include children who take too long to tie their shoelaces.

What should I do for my friend in need?

If you’ve read the above and realize that one of your friends might need help, Dr. Thema said there are a few things you can do.

First and foremost, she said, it’s important to stay calm and check on your friend without making assumptions.

She told DailyMail.com:

“If it’s really nothing and they’re having a busy day, they’ll just say it. Okay, and you didn’t offend them for asking you just now.

“But if it’s a little more serious, they might let you know.”

If your friend indicates that something more serious is going on, there are many things you can do.

This includes listening to their problems without judging them, being there for them, and offering acts of kindness.

Dr. Thema said this could include buying meals for them. I can say that I want to get something because I know what it is.

If you have children, this may also include providing childcare. It can also be a referral to a new job if you lose your job.

What if this describes me?

If you’ve read the above and thought, “Oh my god, that’s me,” Dr. Thema said you shouldn’t panic.

“I would say that if you realize you may be feeling stressed, depressed, or overwhelmed, the first step is to acknowledge it.

“Many of us are so busy taking care of others and taking on professional responsibilities that we just realize we’re exhausted. That’s the first is the step of

Tips she offered to help with negative emotions included making time to relax during the day.

Other strategies include not working late, staying out of social media late at night, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.

Exercise can also help boost your mood.