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6 Signs of Poor Emotional Health

Dr Henriette Smith

July 2021

 

Do you sometimes feel like your emotions are out of control? Doyou lose your temper quickly or often regret how you treated someone else? Manyindicators can tell you that your physical health is suffering, but how do youknow when your emotional health is low? What are the warning signs to watch forwhen it comes to your emotional wellness? While there are many, here are sixcrucial signs of poor emotional health to keep watch for.    

Isolation or Social Withdrawal   

If you find that, lately, you would much rather be by yourselfthan deal with other people, your emotional health may be suffering. Those whoare struggling with their own emotional health issues often have a challengingtime being around people whose emotions are intense or who are struggling througha hard time. If you are unsure about your relationship with yourself, you maynot seek out relationships with other people, either. If you find that you arespending more time alone and are turning away opportunities to be with loved ones and friends, your emotional health may need some attention.   

Blaming Others   

One of the most common forms of self-sabotage is to blame otherpeople for your own mistakes or failures. Blaming is a sign that you have notaccepted responsibility for your own emotions, behaviors, or choices, and thatyou lack the self-awareness necessary to process how you feel about yoursituation. It is so much easier to lay blame at someone else’s feet than do thehard work needed to improve yourself, isn’t it?    

Arguing   

Does it feel like you get into more than your share of argumentsevery day? That, no matter what, other people just seem very unhelpful orpurposefully bothersome to you? If you find that you get into a lot ofarguments, whether it is with friends, coworkers, family, or even completestrangers, then this is a sign that you are not processing your emotions well.When you hold things in, they can manifest as anger, and when you are notattuned to others’ feelings, you may find yourself frustrated with their behaviors.    

Regretting Your Behavior   

How often do you think to yourself, “I really wish I hadn’t donethat. What is WRONG with me that I can’t control myself” When you are nothealthily dealing with emotions, it can lead to decisions that do not supportgood health or that hard your relationships with others. When your emotional healthis lacking, your emotions are more likely to bubble up or burst to the surfaceand influence your behavior, making you do things you would not do under morerational thought.    

Being Confused by Others’ Emotions   

If you struggle with emotional health, it can be difficult tounderstand or deal with other people’s emotions, too. If you are often confusedabout why other people react the way they do or are annoyed that someone has anemotional reaction to a situation, it is a sign that your own emotional wellnessis not that great. Empathy and understanding of how others feel is an integralpart of emotional health, and if you are always exasperated about how otherpeople feel, then you need to work on this vital part of wellness.   

Trouble in Relationships   

Whetherit is friends, family, or romantic partners, if you find that people are alwaysleaving or finding ways to spend less time with you, that is a big red flagthat you need to improve your emotional wellness. When others see you sufferingbut not dealing with your emotions, or when you are emotionally unpredictable,it makes it hard for others to spend time with you. Cultivating and maintainingrelationships is a sign of emotional health, and if you lack in this area, then working on your own emotional wellness is a significant first step.

This post is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered therapy. This blog is only for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered therapy or any form of treatment. We are not able to respond to specific questions or comments about personal situations, appropriate diagnosis or treatment, or otherwise provide any clinical opinions. If you think you need immediate assistance, call your local doctor/psychologist or psychiatrist or the SADAG Mental Health Line on 011 234 4837. If necessary, please phone the Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 567 567 or sms 31393. 

This blog is only for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered therapy or any form of treatment. We are not able to respond to specific questions or comments about personal situations, appropriate diagnosis or treatment, or otherwise provide any clinical opinions. If you think you need immediate assistance, call your local doctor/psychologist or psychiatrist or the SADAG Mental health Line on 011 234 4837. If necessary, please phone the Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 567 567 or sms 31393.