Depending on the age of the car you drive and the kind of oil you put in it, you would likely be well served by changing your vehicle’s oil somewhere between 3,000 and 10,000 miles after your last change. (Important note: We are not mechanics!)
Generally speaking, you might have a couple of reminders about the importance of oil changes right inside your car. For example, last time you had the maintenance done, odds are good that the folks who serviced your car put a little cling in the upper left corner of your windshield. On the cling, they likely wrote a date and a mileage number. When the date arrives or your car’s mileage hits the number indicated, it is time to get your oil changed again.
As reminders go, the little cling and its numbers are fairly low-key. Other indicators that it is time to do something about your oil are more alarming. These warning signs take the form of any of a number of lights on your dashboard. A lack of timely maintenance might cause your “service required” light to come on—reminding you just a little more directly than the cling in your window. Neglecting your oil might trigger the “check engine” light or the “low oil pressure” light—either of which should nudge you to take action sooner rather than later.
Of course, there is one other variety of indication that you have neglected your car’s oil for too long: your car might just break down. If that happens, the cost is likely to be much higher than the cost of a timely oil change.
Now, we know you did not arrive at this blog looking for advice about car maintenance. Still, we think an oil change is a pretty good stand-in for taking care of your mental health—and doing so sooner rather than later.
Keep an Eye Out for the Indicators of a Mental Health Disorder
There is a good chance that you—like so many other people—are extremely busy staying on top of any number of responsibilities. When you are constantly on the go, it can be hard to tune into how you are feeling. That can make it easy to miss some common indicators of a mental health disorder.
But just like it is important to keep an eye on the numbers written on the cling in your car, it is important to be watchful for signs related to your mental health.
Some symptoms to be alert for include (but are not limited to):
- Persistent feelings of sadness or of being down
- Persistent and/or excessive sense of worry or feelings of guilt
- Ongoing and significant lack of energy and/or trouble sleeping
- Ongoing mood changes, especially involving intense highs and lows
- Difficulty concentrating
- Pulling back from friends and activities you generally enjoy
It might be tempting to ignore any or all of these symptoms and to convince yourself they will go away on their own. But just like your car’s oil is not going to change itself, a mental health disorder is unlikely to clear up unless you take some action. A conversation with your doctor is a good place to start.
The Warning Signs May Get More Insistent Over Time
If you ignore the warning signs of a mental health disorder, you may very well find your symptoms intensifying or expanding. Over time, it may become extremely difficult for you to deal with day-to-day problems or with stress. You may find yourself turning to drugs or alcohol to try to “self-medicate” and keep the symptoms at bay. Either of those situations is akin to the various warning lights on your dash.
In some situations, unaddressed mental health difficulties can lead to the equivalent of your car breaking down due to a lack of care. You might find yourself experiencing suicidal thoughts. At that point, getting help is no longer optional. It is absolutely required.
Please note: If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, get immediate help from the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 9-8-8. You can also get help via live chat at 988lifeline.org.
Peak View Behavioral Health Is Here to Help
The best time to get help for a mental health issue is right away. As we have argued above, waiting can lead to more—and more serious—symptoms and behaviors that can truly upend your life. It is better, then, to pursue mental health care when you first realize you are struggling.
At Peak View Behavioral Health, we provide personalized care for those who are dealing with one of the various kinds of depression, with anxiety or panic disorders, with a disorder grounded in past traumatic experiences, with suicidal ideation, or with other difficulties related to mental health. We understand that each person has a unique story and individualized needs, so while we lean into evidence-based practices, we avoid cookie-cutter solutions.
Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Peak View Behavioral Health is staffed by highly trained experts with the experience necessary to help you make improvements to your mental health and maintain those improvements over time. We are dedicated to high-quality care provided with empathy—which means you will never encounter disrespect or judgment as you receive treatment at Peak View.
