Mental illness, aka mental health disorders, is referred to a variety of psychiatric conditions or disorders that affect one’s mood, perception, thinking, and behavior. Some of the most common examples of mental health disorders include anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and addiction.
The signs of mental illness may suddenly appear in some people. Learning about early warning signs of mental illness is extremely important in order to take necessary action. Identifying mental illness signs early could help treat the condition, reducing the complexity of a condition and preventing a major mental health issue altogether.
It is never easy to identify the difference between the signs of mental illness and expected behaviors. Unfortunately, there is no simple test to diagnose a mental illness. It is all about recognizing the signs and seeking professional help.
Each psychological disorder has its own signs and symptoms, but you should be aware of the common signs of mental, such as:
- Dramatic or rapid changes in moods or emotions
- Feeling depressed, disconnected, lonely, isolated, and feeling low spirited
- Feelings of social withdrawal and lack of interest in doing normal activities
- Avoiding family and friends without any reasons
- Extreme change in sleep and appetite or poor personal care
- Unusual decline in functioning at school or work
- Poor concentration, focus, memory, perception, or logical thought
- Lack of desire to participate in any activities
- Nervousness, anxiousness, restlessness
- Unusual, odd, or uncharacteristic behavior
- Drug, alcohol, or substance abuse
- Suicidal thoughts
- Physical signs such as headaches and stomach aches
In the United States, at least one in five adults experience mental illness each year. It is extremely common but it still carried a negative stigma that does not allow people to speak out, share their experience, or seek help.
Identifying the signs of mental illness is the first step to make a change, which can be a bit difficult.
Dr. Stephen Schueller from the University of California, Irvine, who is also the Executive Director of PsyberGuide, a directory of mental health apps, told PEOPLE recently, “Look for major shifts in interest, motivation, or behavior. This might take the form of either seeing yourself or a loved one no longer doing the things they used to do or enjoy, change the way they are spending their time or being less socially-involved.”
Brandon Staglin, the president of One Mind, which is a brain health research organization, said that adolescents and younger adults often experience the early warning signs of mental illness.
“Such signs include worsening performance in school or work, withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed, and withdrawal from relationships,” said Staglin.
Speaking to PEOPLE, Staglin said, “When I was on the verge of my first episode of schizophrenia at age 18, I lost interest in my favorite hobbies at the time, reading and playing video games, and spent most of my time alone, driving around without aim or hiking on local trails.” “My growing anxieties about my worth as a human being, right at the time when I was trying to define myself as an adult, were behind these changes in my behavior,” he added.
