If you feel like something is off with someone close to you, your hunch is probably correct. Recognizing the signs is the first step to helping. Here are five indications they are actually fighting a battle you know nothing about.
They overcompensate
A person who is struggling with their inner demons may act overly happy or friendly to mask the fact that they are feeling broken inside.
They zone out in social situations
If you notice your friend with a blank expression or staring at nothing in particular, they are likely trapped inside a negative thought-loop.
They are less talkative than usual
Before the zoning out occurs, they may take a back seat in conversation because their state of mind is not allowing them to enjoy social engagement.
They’re pessimistic
This is a hard one to spot because pessimism can sometimes be confused with practicality. The key difference is that a realist sees situations at face value, whereas a pessimist will downplay the good, and sees the bad as inevitable.
They isolate themselves
Some people are naturally more introverted, but if you notice that your friend has been more MIA than normal––for instance, they aren’t answering your messages–-it’s probably on purpose. It’s important not to misconstrue this as rudeness. What’s more likely is that they aren’t in the mood to go out or they feel guilty about sharing their problems with others. This is your chance to offer your listening ear.
