When is a trait more than just a trait?
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People have always described me as quirky.
Brushing off our idiosyncrasies as harmless quirks is tempting, but where do we draw the line?
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Is it just a part of who we are, or could it be something more serious?
Robert Cuyler, chief medical officer of Freespira.
Mental health conditions, on the other hand, impact mood, behavior, and thinking.
These conditions create distress and impair your ability to function.
On the surface, the line between the two can seem unclear.
They also consider how severe the behavior is and how often it happens," explainsDr.
Caroline Fenkel, DSW, LCSW, adolescent mental health expert and chief clinical officer at Charlie Health.
Impairment: Does It Interfere with Your Life?
The biggest red flag is whether the behavior interferes with your ability to function normally in your daily life.
Quirks are harmless habits.
Mental health conditions, on the other hand, make it really difficult to function.
For example, your love for order might be fine if its something you enjoy doing.
These symptoms represent something more severe than a normal stress response.
Severity: How Intense Are Your Behaviors?
We all have traits, habits, and routines that set us apart.
It’s when these behaviors become intense or overwhelming that they might be a sign of a problem.
For example, theres nothing wrong with being highly organized.
The intensity of the behavior, not just the behavior itself, often points to an underlying problem.
Occurrence: How Often Does It Happen?
If it’s a once-in-a-while thing, it might not be something to worry much about.
For example, most of us check the locks before bed or leave the house.
That’s not to say that quirks and habits don’t occur frequently.
They can and do!
They are personality quirks that are usually harmless.
They don’t create distress or interfere with your ability to live your life.
For example, I was ashychild.
That’s why it can be helpful to learn more about how mental health conditions can manifest.
When should you start to worry?
Watch for Changes in Behavior
Start by thinking about how the behavior has changed over time.
Something that used to be harmless or even enjoyable might now seem like a burden.
Is it something that happens all the time, or does it only occur in specific situations?
Do these behaviors make it hard to maintainhealthy relationships?
Are they stopping you from getting what you want out of life?
What it all comes down to is how these behaviors affect you.
Your quirks and eccentricities shouldn’t bring you down.
Recap
Mental health conditions are sometimes apparent, but they can also show up in subtle ways.
The key is being aware of your quirks, their effects, and when to seek support.
Examples of Quirks vs.
Conditions
That said, it isn’t always easy to tell the difference between a quirk and a condition.
It often takes the expertise of a trained mental health professional.
This is especially true if its something youve been dealing with for a very long time.
The answer is: yes, it 100% matters.
If you downplay or dismiss the behavior, theres a risk that it will continue to grow unchecked.
It might just be a harmless quirk right now, but many mental health problems can worsen.
Spotting the signs early and finding ways to address them can help you prevent future problems.
Checking with a professional can also have another important upside.
Not every behavior should be treated like a problem that needs to be solved or eliminated.
Understanding the difference can help you better embrace the aspects of your personality that make you special.
If youre worried about the behavior, its a good sign that you should look a bit more closely.
If you are concerned, theres really no substitute for expert advice.
“If youre unsure about a behavior, its important to reach out to a mental health professional.
What should you expect during your appointment?
A mental health professional typically asks detailed questions about your behaviors, emotions, and thoughts.
Theyll also want to know a bit more about your life, medical, and mental health history.
This process aims to get a clearer picture of who you are and whats going on in your life.
Knowing more about your background and the context of your behaviors can help them make a more accurate diagnosis.
Getting the right diagnosis ensures you get the help you need when you need it.
Even if youre unsure whether the behavior warrants professional attention, consulting an experts always a good idea.
They can provide clarity and insights to help you better understand the situation.
Getting help early can prevent potential problems from becoming more difficult to manage over time.
What that looks like for you may depend on your situation and the behavior youre concerned about.
But dont be afraid to embrace your quirks!
