We all have days when we feel a little “off.” Maybe it’s a subtle shift in your mood, motivation or the way you’ve been connecting with other people lately. But if you’ve been thinking, I’m just not feeling like myself and I don’t know why, it might be time to take a deeper look into those thoughts with the help of a professional. Guidelight Health is a mental health care provider that offers Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization (PHP) levels of care. In this article, we’ll discuss key changes to pay attention to and how seeking support can make a meaningful difference.

What does “not feeling like myself” mean?

From a mental health standpoint, “not feeling like myself” is a sentiment usually reserved for more than just a passing mood. It’s usually something that a person’s noticed for a while and maybe it comes with feelings that are hard to describe. This doesn’t necessarily mean that something’s wrong, but self-awareness is key. Here are some examples of why you might be feeling disconnected lately:

• Stress and burnout — Maybe things at work or home have felt more stressful than usual, and you’re having trouble staying grounded.
• Relationship changes — If you’re going through a divorce or about to get married, your new relationship status may be behind this internal shift.
• Major life changes — From moving to a new city to the birth of a child, big life changes can certainly take an emotional toll.
• Mental health challenges — You could be experiencing the beginnings of a mental health condition that needs a little extra care.
• Loss — If you’ve recently lost a loved one, it can impact your mental state, making it harder to move forward.

6 signs to reach out for support

The most important thing to realize is that you’re not alone. This can feel like a singular experience, but many people go through periods like this for several different reasons. Reaching out can be a pivotal step toward feeling more like yourself again. Here are some signs that it’s time to ask for help:

1. It’s harder to manage your emotions lately.

Mood changes can feel overwhelming, especially when they interfere with your daily routines or relationships. If you’ve been feeling sad, hopeless, irritable or on edge, it may be your mind’s way of letting you know that it needs a helping hand. Even feeling nothing at all — a sense of emotional numbness — could be a sign that it’s time to reach out.

2. You have unexplained physical symptoms.

Sometimes, emotional stress shows up in the body in unexpected ways. For instance, you may have noticed some stomach issues, headaches or general body aches without clear causes. Your mental health could also disrupt your sleeping patterns, making it harder to fall asleep at night or causing you to feel like you want to sleep more than usual. Paying attention to your body’s cues can help you learn when it’s time to seek additional support.

3. Your behavior has changed.

Has your behavior shifted along with your mental and physical state? Maybe you’re spending more time by yourself, canceling plans or finding it hard to enjoy the things that you usually love. Take a moment to reflect on any recent changes in your behavior or habits to figure out if they could be early signs that you may benefit from professional help.

4. You’ve noticed a cognitive shift.

Stress and emotional dysregulation can strain or cloud your thinking. You might feel mentally drained, more forgetful than usual or easily distracted. Making decisions — even small everyday ones — may suddenly seem overwhelming. If simple daily tasks feel like too much, this might indicate that you could use more support.

5. Your go-to coping strategies aren’t helping.

Everyone copes with challenges in their own ways. Some people find that going for daily walks or talking to a friend helps them sort out their feelings, while others use deep breathing and mindfulness exercises to stay grounded. If the techniques you usually apply aren’t working so well lately, a professional can teach you new strategies or help you explore other options.

6. You’re experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

If you’ve started thinking about hurting yourself or wishing you weren’t here, it’s important to take those thoughts seriously and ask for help ASAP. Call or text 988, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support.

Let Guidelight help you feel more like yourself again

Feeling disconnected can be unsettling, but paying attention to any changes in your thoughts, feelings and behaviors can help make navigating this period a little easier. Reaching out is a key first step — and our compassionate team is here to listen, provide guidance and offer the support you need to regain balance and start feeling like yourself again.

Everyone has a seat at Guidelight. Contact our team online or call us today for more information about how we can help or to schedule an initial evaluation. We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our local clinics.