Mental Health Red Flags in Recovery & Healing: World Mental Health Awareness Blog Series: Post #4

We’ve talked before about my love of rollercoasters (the more loops the better!) And that’s how recovery can feel even on the best days. One minute you're feeling grounded and grateful, and the next, you’re wanting the world to stop giving you so many nauseating twists and turns.

Recovery and healing has its ups and downs, but sometimes what looks like “a bad week” or “just feeling off” is actually your brain waving little red flags, trying to get you to pay attention.

Mental health matters just as much as sobriety and healing. Recognizing when you need support can keep you from spiraling deeper or even prevent a setback.

“Is This a Funk, or Should I Be Concerned?”

If you’re asking the question, that’s already a good sign. It means you’re not numb or checked out. You’re curious. You have awareness. I’d say that’s a win already.

Let’s talk about a few red flags that often fly under the radar. Especially in recovery:

Red Flags That Might Mean Your Mental Health Needs More Support

1. You’re constantly exhausted but can’t sleep.
Your body might be tired, but your brain is stuck in overdrive. You’re lying awake, replaying conversations, worrying about everything, and waking up more tired than you went to bed. You can’t quiet your thoughts. The chaos feels like it’s back in full force.

2. Everything feels like too much or nothing feels like enough.
Dishes, laundry, a single text reply is suddenly just too hard. Or maybe you feel numb and detached, like you’re watching life happen from underwater. Life is feeling like you’re walking through underwater quicksand.

3. You’re isolating more than usual.
We definitely need our alone time. It’s part of healing and recovery. But if you're ghosting people, skipping meetings or support groups, and avoiding the very tools that usually help… that’s a sign.

If you’re in a relationship and your partner mentions something about you isolating, avoiding, or detaching, listen to them. My husband and I have an agreement to let each other know if we’re showing these kinds of signs so we’re not heading down a slippery slope.

4. You’re extra reactive (or shutting down).
Snapping at your partner? Crying over spilled hot chocolate? Shutting down completely during check-in conversations? These are emotional red flags.

5. You’ve lost interest in things that used to bring joy.
Your hobbies feel pointless. That show you couldn’t wait to watch, now sits begging to be played. You cancel plans not because you're protecting your peace but because you don’t care or have the energy (mentally or physically) to go.

6. You're tempted by old coping mechanisms.
You're not using, but you're thinking about it more than you’d like to admit. You start romanticizing the past or saying things like, “Maybe I wasn’t that bad…” The justification, rationalization, and denial begin to creep in again. It’s time to start talking back to addict voice and…yes, issue an eviction notice.

7. You’re feeling hopeless, helpless, or like a burden.
If you’re thinking “What’s the point?” more days than not or feeling like everyone would be better off without you it’s time to talk to a professional. You matter. Period. You can reach the Crisis Textline at 741741. It’s free.

This Isn’t About Weakness, It’s About Being Human

Let me say this loud for the Bookenders in the back:
Having mental health challenges in recovery and healing doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means you’re human. Healing isn’t a straight line. It’s full of ups, downs, and lots of twists and turns. There’s no medal for white-knuckling your way through the ride alone but there is real peace when you reach out for help.

What to Do If You’re Noticing Red Flags

You don’t have to fix it all at once. Remember, this is a marathon, not sprint, so take your time. Go at a pace that’s comfortable for you and your timeline, not someone else. If you notice a red flag, take one step:

• Tell someone. Utilize your Sobriety Circle or Healing Hive, Phone a friend, accountability partner, sponsor, therapist, online support group, then say the hard thing out loud.

• Go back to basics. Sleep. Water. Movement. Nourishment. Routine. The building blocks of your recovery and healing can help fortify you in these challenging moments.

• Do an emotional self-check-in. “What’s actually going on under the surface?” You might be overwhelmed, grieving, triggered, or overextended.

• Reach out to a professional. Therapy, psychiatry, peer support, all of these are perfect options to choose from. And they’re not just for “crisis mode.” They can be a part of your toolkit.

Here are some tools you can add to your toolkit:

Journal Prompts to Help You Check In

• What emotion keeps showing up lately?

• What am I avoiding or numbing?

• Who or what have I been withdrawing from?

• When was the last time I truly felt joy or calm?

These questions aren’t about judging where you are, they’re about understanding it.

Final Thought: Listen to Your Gut

If something feels off, don’t wait until it becomes an emergency to care for yourself. Recovery and healing are about more than unhealthy behaviors. It’s about building a life where you want to stay. And that means tending to your mental health with as much love and attention as your sobriety and healing.

You are a Superstar, Bookender. I’m so proud of you! Continue doing the hard work, because it’s paying off. And remember to give yourself grace throughout the process. You deserve it!

If you have any questions about red flags in recovery and healing, feel free to reach out. I love hearing from readers and supporting your journey. Just a heads up: I respond to all emails, except from solicitors. And if you solicit me, you end up on my mailing list. You’ve been warned :)

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Sending positive vibes your way,
Laura