No matter how positive you try to be, sometimes things get on top of you and there’s nothing you can do to keep from feeling overwhelmed by it. You try to keep trudging forward but if you’re being honest, you’re having a hard time keeping your head above water. It happens. Which is why if you notice these signs in other people, they’re clearly struggling in life and could maybe use a helping hand (or at least a hug).
1. They isolate themselves from friends, family, and activities they used to love.
It’s concerning when someone who used to be the life of the party or a family fixture suddenly becomes a ghost. They’re not just busy or going through a phase; they’re pulling away because something deeper is going on. This retreat from social life and hobbies is a silent alarm bell, signaling they’re not just introverting for fun – they’re struggling.
2. They’re always sad, irritable, or full of anxiety.
You know them as the upbeat, easy-going one, but now they’re always down or on edge. It’s more than a bad day or a rough patch; it’s a prolonged state where their usual cheer seems lost, and they’re quick to frustration or worry. This isn’t just moodiness; it’s like they’re carrying an invisible weight that’s always there, dragging them down.
3. Want A Partner? Attract Love With The Power Of Your Mind.
Sweetn is a new research-based startup that shows you how to call love into your life with the power of your mind. Take our quiz, and try our tools—they can transform your energy and your love life in a few weeks. Just click here.
4. They stop showering, brushing their teeth, or dressing in clean clothes.
When someone who was once meticulous about their appearance starts neglecting basic self-care, it’s alarming. This isn’t about choosing comfort over style; it’s a sign of losing the energy or desire to look after themselves. This decline in personal care often reflects a deeper internal struggle, a battle where even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming.
5. They sleep too much or too little, or their sleep may be restless.
Their relationship with sleep has dramatically changed. They’re either in bed all the time, trying to escape reality, or up all night, their mind racing with worry. This disruption in sleep is a physical manifestation of internal turmoil. It’s not just irregular sleeping habits; it’s a struggle with rest that often mirrors the chaos they’re feeling inside.
6. They eat too much or nothing at all.
It’s a warning sign when someone’s eating patterns swing to extremes. Maybe they’re always in the fridge, using food as a comfort blanket, or they’ve lost their appetite completely. This isn’t just about food preferences changing; it’s a reflection of their emotional state. Eating too much or too little can be how they’re unconsciously expressing that they’re not okay and they’re actually struggling lin life.
7. They have trouble concentrating on tasks or remembering things.
It’s concerning when the person who used to be sharp as a tack now can’t seem to keep their focus or forgets the little details. This isn’t just occasional absent-mindedness; it’s a symptom of their mind being clouded by bigger, heavier thoughts. This kind of mental fog is often a telltale sign that they’re grappling with something that’s consuming their mental bandwidth.
8. They drink too much or do drugs to numb themselves.
When someone starts leaning heavily on alcohol or drugs, it’s often an attempt to numb themselves. They might be trying to drown out something painful or stressful that they can’t handle because they’re really struggling in life. This isn’t just about letting loose or partying; it’s a dangerous path of self-medication, a red flag that they’re trying to escape from a reality that’s become too much to bear.
9. They start engaging in risky behaviors.
Alarm bells should ring when someone starts acting out dangerously, like self-harming or driving recklessly. These aren’t just thrill-seeking actions; they’re serious indicators of distress. Such behaviors can be a sign of deep internal turmoil, a way of externalizing the pain they feel inside or a cry for help that they might not know how to express in words.
10. They talk about wanting to die or hurt themselves.
Perhaps the most direct and alarming of signs is when someone talks about not wanting to live or harming themselves. This is never something to take lightly. It’s not just dramatic talk; it’s a serious indication that they’re considering the unthinkable as a solution to their pain. This kind of talk needs immediate attention and care, as it’s a direct plea for help. If you or someone you know is experiencing these feelings, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
12. They always cancel plans or fail to show up for commitments.
It’s a significant sign when someone frequently cancels plans or doesn’t show up for commitments they used to keep. This behavior is more than just being flaky or unreliable; it can be a symptom of their struggle to keep up with normal life. Their avoidance of social interactions and responsibilities often mirrors a deeper struggle they’re facing, be it emotional or psychological.
13. They always feel guilty when it’s unwarranted.
When someone constantly feels guilty for things that aren’t their fault or for minor issues, it’s a red flag. This isn’t just about being conscientious; it’s a sign of an inner critical voice that’s always putting them down. This pervasive guilt can be a symptom of deeper self-esteem issues or emotional distress, making them feel undeserving or always in the wrong.
14. They’re overly withdrawn or uncommunicative even in laid-back settings.
If someone who used to be chatty and engaged now seems withdrawn or uncommunicative, even in casual, stress-free environments, it’s cause for concern. This isn’t just about being quiet or introverted; it’s about a noticeable change in how they interact with others. It often indicates that they’re struggling internally and finding it hard to engage with the world as they used to.
15. They get unexplained physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches.
Physical symptoms like frequent headaches or stomachaches, without a clear medical cause, can be a physical manifestation of stress or emotional turmoil. It’s not just about physical health; it’s how the body reacts to psychological distress. These physical signs are often the body’s way of signaling that something’s not right emotionally or mentally.
