Nine Possible Warning Signs of Mental Illnesses

Nine Possible Warning Signs of Mental Illnesses Mental health disorders can be tough for both children and adults. In children, these hamper with growth and result in learning inabilities, while in adults, these affect their professional, social, and personal life. In both the cases, mental disorders severely affect the quality of life.

Unfortunately, mental health disorders are not uncommon. According to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), nearly one in five adults experienced mental illness in 2019, amounting to around 51.5 million people in America alone.

In spite of such a significant number of people being affected by these disorders, it is disturbing to know that it is difficult to determine through a test if someone known is struggling with any mental illness.

Therefore, it’s important to keep an eye on the signs that are atypical of a person and the condition they may be suffering from.

Here are nine indicators that may hint towards an underlying mental health condition.

1. Altered personality A sudden but characteristic change in one’s behavior, mannerism, thoughts (as if it is a different person) may be the warning signs of a mental health problem.

2. Social withdrawal Clear signs of social withdrawal including isolation from social get-togethers, confinement to one’s personal space, reluctance to join social activities, canceling social engagements, shying away from celebrations, etc. may hint at the development of a psychotic disorder in a person.

3. Anxiety, anger, or mood problems Anxiety and/or mood problems with an uncharacteristic sudden burst of emotions in a person is enough to tell that they need a mental health expert, especially if this severe change in

emotions persists and is accompanied by other symptoms including shortness of breath, heart palpitations, headache, and restlessness.

4. Disinterest and risky behaviors People with mental health issues often lose interest in life and are no longer bothered about their health and well-being. They are also likely to engage in risky behaviors such as drinking and drug abuse. Further, an ignorant behavior towards hygiene and personal appearance may be a signal of mental health issues.

5. A sense of hopelessness Mounting hopelessness or loss of purpose in life is also known to be associated with mental health difficulties. Feelings like it is the end of the world for them or they will never be happy again are typical expressions of depression and other mental health ailments.

6. Sleep problems Sleep problems can be associated with many physical health conditions. However, difficulty in falling asleep or disturbed sleep-in combination with anxiety or restlessness persisting for days or weeks at a stretch may indicate that the patient requires psychiatric help.

7. Weight or appetite changes People experiencing rapid weight loss or unexplained weight fluctuations may be a sign of an underlying mental health problem. In addition, changes in appetite including loss of appetite may also indicate a psychotic disorder in the making.

8. Substance abuse People battling mental health problems usually feel that using substances helps them control their symptoms, making them feel more in control. If a person has suddenly started using substances at every given opportunity, then it is an indication that they might be trying to cope up with symptoms associated with mental health in their own justified way.

9. Suicide ideation Looking at suicide as a solution to one’s problems definitely indicates that they may have an underlying mental health condition. Saying goodbyes, giving away treasured belongings, and cleaning out cupboards ae some of the indications that a person might be contemplating suicide.

In the nutshell: • •

Excessive fear or worry Intense mood swings, including uncontrollable feeling of euphoria or hopelessness

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning Not being able to sleep well Feeling extremely low or sad Experiencing difficulty understanding people’s behavior and/or relating to them Prolonged and persistent feeling of anger or irritability Changes in sex drive Staying away from friends, family, and general socializing Feeling tired and low on energy Increased hunger or lack/loss of appetite Hallucinations or delusions Increased use of substances such as alcohol or drugs Unexplained physical ailments such as stomach aches and headaches Suicidal thoughts Inability to perform daily activities or manage daily stress

Helping people with mental health problems Remember, these symptoms or signs are not meant for self-diagnosis and may or may not indicate a problem associated with mental health. However, it is important for people who are either experiencing these or know somebody with these signs to report them to a licensed, professional counsellor, or contact a physician for timely diagnosis.

If you or someone you know is showing any signs of a mental health problem, the 24/7 Mental Health Helpline can assist in finding the right mental rehabilitation health helpline center tailored to suit your requirements. To know more about credible mental health rehabilitation helpline center near you, call at our 24/7 inpatient mental health helpline (855) 653-8178 or chat online with a representative.

For more information, please visit: https://www.247mentalhealthhelpline.com