Episode 6: Mental Health is a Journey with Many Signs
Have you ever missed a road sign and ended up completely lost? Maybe you drove miles in the wrong direction or found yourself on a sketchy back road, questioning all of your life choices. The truth is, mental health works the same way. We all receive signs—some are glaring neon warnings, while others are subtle nudges. Whether we pay attention or not can completely change our journey.
Flashing Warning Signs We Ignore
Looking back, I now see the signs that were flashing in my face during a particularly grueling time in my life. As a new CPA working on a project for a trucking and transportation company, I was in full overachiever mode—working endless hours, ignoring my own well-being, and believing that if I just pushed through, everything would get better.
But the signs were there:
Joking about how nice it would be if one of the company’s trucks hit me.
Isolating myself from family and friends.
Crying daily, often pulling over in parking lots just to let it all out.
Chronic exhaustion and anxiety, feeling like I was physically being poked in the chest.
I didn’t recognize them at the time, but my body, emotions, and even the people around me were trying to tell me something.
Physical, Emotional, and External Signs
Mental health warning signs often fall into three categories:
Physical signs – Exhaustion, anxiety, lack of sleep, tightness in your chest.
Emotional signs – Resentment, frustration, loss of joy, unexplained anger.
External signs – Concern from loved ones, making careless mistakes, forgetfulness.
One bizarre external sign for me? Extreme clumsiness. When I’m overwhelmed, I become forgetful, lock myself out of my home, or have minor accidents—like the time I sideswiped my mirror off in a construction zone. These are all signs my brain is overloaded.
The Roadblock Moment
Eventually, I hit a major roadblock. After an especially rough workweek, I found myself driving, contemplating how easy it would be for my death to look like a traffic accident. That moment scared me, and thankfully, I reached out for help. What followed was an ER visit, inpatient hospitalization, and a commitment to making changes.
Detours vs. Dead Ends
Not every obstacle is a dead end. Sometimes, it’s just a detour guiding you toward a better path. Leaving my accounting career was a detour—but it led me to a healthier life. A true dead end, however, is when we ignore all the signs and allow things to spiral beyond repair. Recognizing when to turn around can save your life.
Learning to Read the Signs
Here are a few things that helped me:
Journaling – Getting thoughts onto paper helped me recognize patterns.
Mental health check-ins – Using apps and self-assessments to track my well-being.
Listening to my support system – When friends and family express concern, it’s important to take it seriously.
What Do Green, Yellow, and Red Signs Look Like in Mental Health?
🚦 Green signs (Keep going! You’re doing well)
Feeling balanced, motivated, and connected.
Having healthy routines and coping strategies.
Sleeping and eating well, maintaining emotional stability.
⚠️ Yellow signs (Proceed with caution)
Feeling drained, irritable, and overwhelmed but still pushing through.
Trouble sleeping, increased anxiety, or struggling with focus.
Ignoring self-care or telling yourself, “I’m just tired.”
🛑 Red signs (Stop and seek help)
Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety.
Struggling to function in daily life.
Isolating from loved ones and relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Your Mental Health Roadmap
If you take anything away from this, let it be this: Life is a long road, and none of us get a perfect map. But if we pay attention to the signs, trust the journey, and allow ourselves to take detours when necessary, we’ll end up exactly where we’re meant to be.
Need help recognizing the signs in your own life? Check out my free journaling guide. And if this post resonated with you, share it with a friend who might need it. 💛
Resources
The resources and content shared here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek support from a licensed professional. You are not alone. 💛
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