5 Signs of Mental Illness You Should Not Ignore
Does this sound familiar? You feel low, not motivated to work, meet friends, or even take on your daily routine. Are you facing a constant state of sadness, and days and nights are colored by shades of blue?
You may constantly be assuring yourself that this is just a phase. Maybe physically, you feel great no matter what, but inside, you know something is not right
I know this sounds vague…but even though mood swings are part of human experiences, a constant state of any negative emotion can be a sign of something bigger that needs your attention.
Just like our physical health, prioritizing our mental health is critical. I am not trying to burden you with thoughts that something is wrong, but exploring your circumstances is important. Learning about mental health and related disorders can help you understand what you’re going through.
Whether you experience chronic depression, or just a feeling that life is a losing battle, you can find ways to better the situation.
Together, let’s understand what mental health is, the signs of mental illness, and how mental health therapy can help you!
What are the 5 Signs of Mental Illness: Recovery Starts with Awareness
How can you best address your mental well-being and that of your near ones without understanding the early signs and symptoms? Mental health issues are layered with so many complexities that words may fall short, but read on with me because until you don't figure out these broken pieces moving towards healing will be difficult.
1.Depressive Disorders
Depression is a serious mental health condition that can impact millions of people worldwide. A variety of mental illness symptoms, such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and changes in mood and behavior, can characterize it.
Symptoms of Depression:
Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness.
Loss of interest in activities and hobbies
Changes in appetite and sleep patterns Fatigue and lack of energy
Types of Depressive Disorders:
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
This type of depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
2. Anxiety disorders
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
This is a type of depression characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities lasting for at least two years.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
This is a depression related to changes in seasons and typically occurs during the fall and winter months.
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
This is a type of depression that can occur after giving birth, characterized by feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and lack of interest in the baby.
Anxiety disorders can cause a lot of fear, worry, and nervousness. Lets understand the symptoms of Anxiety Disorder:
Persistent worrying or fear
Physical symptoms such as increased heart rate and sweating Avoiding certain situations or places due to fear
Difficulty sleeping
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
Panic Disorder (PD) Specific Phobia
This type of anxiety This type of anxiety
excessive fear of social situations and interactions.
attacks. excessive fear and avoidance of
This is characterized This type of anxiety disorder is characterized disorder is by unexpected and disorder is by excessive and characterized by recurrent panic characterized by persistent worrying about various events or situations.
specific objects or situations.
3. Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a type of mental illness that can cause extreme mood swings between highs and lows. Believe it or not, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about 2.8% of adults in the U.S., or about 5.7 million people, had bipolar disorder in 2019. This disorder usually starts in late adolescence or early adulthood, and affects men and women equally. The common signs of mental breakdown that are found in people with bipolar disorder are as follows.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder:
Extreme mood swings (manic and depressive episodes)
Increased energy and activity during manic episodes
Poor judgment and impulsiveness during manic episodes Difficulty functioning during depressive episodes
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar I Disorder
This is characterized by extreme episodes that last at least seven days or extreme symptoms that are so severe the person needs immediate hospital care.
Typically, depressive episodes also occur in Bipolar I.
4. Schizophrenia Disorder
Bipolar II Disorder
This is characterized by a pattern of manic episodes that are less severe than those in Bipolar I disorder, known as hypomanic episodes, as well as episodes of major depression.
Cyclothymic Disorder
This is characterized by cycles of hypomanic and depressive symptoms, but the symptoms are not severe enough to be diagnosed as Bipolar I or Bipolar II.
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects about 1%of the world's population. It tends to be more common in men than women and usually starts in late teenage years or early adulthood. With the right treatment, many people with schizophrenia can lead fulfilling lives, but the recovery process can be difficult and may take time. Some of the common mental disorder symptoms are as mentioned below.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia:
Hallucinations (hearing, seeing, or sensing things that aren't there) Delusions (fixed false beliefs)
Disordered thinking and speech
Apathy or lack of motivation
In case you or someone you know is facing any such symptom, reaching out for mental health therapy can help. Your therapist will be able to diagnose the type of schizophrenia you could be suffering from and the right treatment process.
To give you a better understanding, here are the different types of Schizophrenia:
Types of Schizophrenia
Paranoid Schizophrenia Catatonic Schizophrenia
Disorganized Schizophrenia (Hebephrenia)
Undifferentiated Schizophrenia
This is characterized by delusions of persecution or grandeur and auditory hallucinations (hearing voices or other sounds that are not real).
5. Personality disorders
This is characterized by episodes of abnormal movements, such as catatonia (a state of being stiff and immobile) or excitement.
This is characterized by disorganized speech, behavior and thinking, lack of motivation, and flat affect (limited emotional expression).
This is characterized by symptoms that do not fit the criteria of other subtypes of schizophrenia.
Personality disorder is characterized by patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior that deviate significantly from cultural and societal norms. It can be difficult to determine the exact prevalence of personality disorders as many people do not seek help and may not be diagnosed. However, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that about 9% of adults in the U.S., or about 22 million people, have a personality disorder.
If you think you are among the 9%, read on to understand these mental illness signs.
Symptoms of Personality Disorder:
Unstable relationships
Unstable moods and emotions
Unclear self-image
Impulsive and reckless behavior
Types of Personality Disorders
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
This is characterized by intense and unstable emotions, impulsive behavior, and turbulent relationships. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), it is estimated that around 1.6% of the U.S. adult population (about 4 million people) have BPD.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)
This is characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, an intense need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.
According to the NIMH, it is estimated that around 1%of the U.S. population (about 2.8 million people) have NPD.
Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)
This is characterized by a pattern of disregard for the rights of others, lack of empathy, and impulsive behavior.
According to the NIMH, it is estimated that around 1%of the U.S. population (about 3 million people) have ASPD.
ObsessiveCompulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)
A mental health professional can help diagnose personality disorders. Right treatment, therapy, and support, can help improve the condition and lead fulfilling lives.
This is characterized by a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control. According to the NIMH, it is estimated that around 2-7% of the U.S. population (about 5.415.8 million people) have OCPD.
How To Recognize Signs of Mental Health Issues?
Mental illness can be challenging to spot since many symptoms are similar to stressinduced episodes and short-term conditions. Knowing how to recognize the signs of mental illness or signs of bad mental health is essential to get the needed help.
To start, take notice if someone appears chronically overwhelmed or struggling even when they should be feeling quite relaxed. Other signs include:
A lack of self-care or poor hygiene.
Dramatic changes in personality or behavior. Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness.
Increased reliance on drugs or alcohol.
If these behaviors persist and become more severe over time, it is likely signs of mental incompetence or a sign of an underlying mental illness. Mental health professionals are skilled in identifying these conditions and helping individuals find relief through therapy and medication when needed.
How Mental Health Therapy Can Help
Mental health therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is a treatment designed to help people understand and manage their mental health symptoms. This mental therapy can treat various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders.
Different types of in-person and virtual mental health therapy include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, and interpersonal therapy. Cognitive therapy typically involves regularly meeting with a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed therapist. During these mental therapy sessions, the therapist will work with the individual to help them understand their symptoms and develop coping strategies to manage them.
Mental health therapy can help people understand the underlying causes of their mental health disorder, learn to manage the warning signs of mental illness, and enhance relationships and functioning in daily life. Treatment for mental health can be done individually or in a group setting, depending on the person's needs and preferences. It can be a combination of different techniques, such as medication and therapy, that can help to reduce symptoms and improve the overall quality of life.
It's important to note that therapy for mental health is a process that requires commitment and can take time. Finding a therapist that is a good fit for the individual need is also essential, as a positive therapeutic relationship is crucial for success.
Our experts help you learn the signs, symptoms, and treatments for mental illness.
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Conclusion
Recognizing the signs of mental illness or mental health warning signs can be difficult, and many don't know where to start. Mental illnesses may manifest through physical cues, such as increased irritability, lack of appetite, or excessive sleeping. They can also manifest through behavioral patterns, such as withdrawal from activities they used to enjoy or intense mood swings.
It is essential for individuals who recognize these signs of mental illness in themselves or someone else to get proper help from trained mental health professionals and support from friends and family. Supporting someone diagnosed with a mental illness is an active process that requires patience and dedication; however, it can be gratifying and bring about positive change in a person's life. Reach out to Lifebulb to find the best therapist now!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to find the right therapist for mental illness?
It might be challenging to choose the best therapist for addressing mental health difficulties. Through a variety of web resources, you can always locate the ideal therapist who is professionally trained and duly authorized in your state. Lifebulb therapy services are one among the finest licenced, qualified professionals who can point you in the right route for creating a healthy and fulfilling life. In Cherry Hill, Edison, Alexandria, Charlottesville, and Toms River, we offer both in-person and online treatment.
What are the common signs of mental illness or the symptoms of mental illness?
What is the importance of early recognition and treatment of mental illness?
Who should I consult if I suspect I have a mental illness?
How can I recognize the signs of mental disorders in others?
Where can I find resources and support for mental health disorders?
Are mental health disorders treatable?
What should I do if someone I know expresses suicidal thoughts or behavior?
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