How to Know if You’re OK

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Recently, everyone has started to emphasize the importance of self care and avoiding burnout. From teachers and administrators to social media gurus and commercials, the ‘mental health’ craze is taking over daily life. The hardest part about self care, besides having the time, energy, and resources to do it, is to know when you need it. People ask if you’re burned out all the time, but it’s hard to tell if you are.

Honestly, it doesn’t matter if you are properly burned out, moderately stressed, or just struggling with another mental health issue; the results are the same. You don’t feel good. But how do you identify why you’re feeling? Start with this checklist.

1. Are you hungry or thirsty?

   1. A lot of the time, you feel bad because you are lacking nutrients. If you’re angry about nothing, your midsection hurts, and/or you realize that you haven't eaten in a few hours, you should probably try to eat. It could be anything from a small snack to a full meal - whatever you’re feeling and have time for.

2. Are you tired?

   1. If your mental train is running slowly, you’re having trouble having fun, or you just can’t keep your eyes open, you’re probably tired. If this is because you haven’t slept enough recently: try to go to bed earlier, or take a nap, or just rest whenever you have a second. If you haven’t noticed a change to your sleep, or you’ve been sleeping more, you may be having more serious mental health issues - or you’re hungry.

3. Are you anxious?

   1. If you are having a hard time focusing on one thing, are worrying about missing/forgetting things, are irritable, are grinding your teeth/chewing your nails/fidgeting, or are just worrying in general, you might be anxious. You might want to explore coping strategies for your specific ailment, for example, making a to-do list, creating a study plan, getting a fidget toy, or just taking deep breaths. 

4. Is something bigger wrong?

   1. Do you feel significantly different than you normally do in any way? Do you know something is wrong but can’t put your finger wrong? Do you know you’re not ok, no matter what anyone tells you? Talk to someone you trust, preferably an adult, most preferably a therapist. If you need help, reach out.