Mental illness is something that a lot of people deal with, but it's often difficult to know when you or someone else is suffering. This is because mental illness can present in many different ways, and often the signs are subtle. In this blog post, we will discuss signs that might indicate that you or someone else is dealing with a mental illness. If you see any of these signs in yourself or someone else, please don't hesitate to reach out for help!
Possible signs of mental health issues:
Extreme Mood Swings
Sudden changes in mood or energy levels. For example, you might find yourself feeling unusually happy or energized for no reason, or suddenly feeling very down and low.
Social Withdrawal
Withdraw from social activities and hobbies that you used to enjoy. If you used to be outgoing but are now staying home all the time, or if you used to love painting but can't seem to find the motivation to do it anymore, this could be a sign of depression or another mental illness.
Behavioral Changes
If you notice any sudden negative changes in behavior, thinking, or feeling, it's important to reach out for help. Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, and the sooner you get help, the better. There are many resources available to you, so please don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance. Remember, you are not alone in this!
Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions
A mental health symptom of having difficulty concentrating or making decisions is known as "cognitive impairment." This can manifest in many different ways, but some common symptoms include forgetfulness, trouble focusing or paying attention, and feeling overwhelmed by simple tasks.
Cognitive impairment can be caused by a variety of factors, including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and even certain medical conditions.
Irregular Sleeping Patterns
Sleeping too much or not enough could be a symptom of a mental health issue. If you find yourself struggling to get a good night's sleep, or if you're sleeping more than usual, feeling restless or on edge or like you can't sit still or focus on anything, it could be a sign of anxiety or some other mental health issue.
Abnormal Eating Habits
A mental health symptom that can manifest in abnormal eating habits is an obsession with food or body image. This can lead to someone becoming fixated on their weight, calorie intake, and body shape. They may start to restrict their food intake or overexercise to the point of exhaustion. This can become a dangerous spiral that leads to further mental and physical health problems.
Self Medicating with Alcohol or Drugs
A common symptom of mental health issues is using alcohol or drugs to cope with their feelings. This can lead to addiction and other problems.
Negative Feelings
If you're feeling hopeless, worthless, or excessively guilty, it could be a sign of depression.
Intrusive Thoughts or Experiencing Flashbacks
Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, intrusive thoughts that can cause anxiety and distress. They can be about anything that someone finds upsetting or disturbing, such as harm coming to oneself or others, sex, or religious issues. Flashbacks are vivid, reoccurring memories of a past trauma. They can be triggered by anything that reminds the person of the original event. Flashbacks can cause anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Self-harming Behaviors
Self-harming behaviors can be a way to cope with overwhelming emotions or to numbing oneself from emotional pain. It can also be a way to punish oneself or to release pent-up anger. Whatever the reason, self-harming behaviors are not a healthy way to cope with emotions and should be addressed by a professional.
Thoughts of Suicide
If someone is having thoughts of harming themselves, it it a sign of severe distress. Individuals experiencing these thoughts should seek the help of a mental health professional immediately.
What should I do if I or someone I know is suffering from any of the examples above?
While the symptoms in the list above are not exclusive to mental illness, if you are worried about someone you know, the best thing to do is talk to them about it. Let them know that you are concerned and offer to help them get professional help if they need it. You can also contact a mental health helpline in your area for more information and support.
Mental health disorders are nothing to be ashamed of and talking about it can be a first step towards recovery.
If you are concerned about your own mental health, and/or are experiencing any of the symptoms above, the best thing to do is reach out for help. There are many resources available to you, including mental health helplines, therapy, and medication. Don't hesitate to seek out the help you need. Recovery is possible.
The information above is not intended to replace a diagnosis from a licensed professional. The above is provided as a resource to encourage sufferers to seek professional help.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these signs, please contact a mental health professional or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8225). You can also text "HOME" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. These crisis lines are free, confidential, and available 24/seven.
Please reach out for help if you need it!