Recognising the Signs of Mental Illness

*Remunerated Post*

Mental illness affects roughly 40 million Americans every year. While some may think it can’t happen in their family, mental illness is a lot more common than many care to admit.

That figure is also the number of reported cases, meaning the actual number of people with mental illness can be much greater. 

Mental illness is nothing to feel ashamed about, though. We would never shame anyone with a physical disability, and mental health shouldn’t be any different. Mental illness may develop from chemical imbalances, environmental stress or triggers, or inherited genes, none of which are any fault of our own.

Identifying mental illness in a loved one can be difficult. Mental illness affects everyone differently, and the signs of mental illness may not be so cut and dry. However, mental illness doesn’t show up overnight or all at once. There are specific patterns of changes in behavior and mood that may be signs of a mental illness.

If you or someone you know is living with mental illness, visit BetterHelp. BetterHelp can pair you or your loved one with a licensed therapist and help you on your journey towards mental health. For more information, please visit the link below:

https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/what-is-dialectical-therapy/

The following are some of the signs of mental illness. Note that this list is not meant to diagnose mental illness. Always consult with a licensed professional to diagnose mental conditions and seek therapy options.

Sleep changes

Changes in sleep patterns can be a sign of mental illness. Particularly, bipolar disorder and depressive episodes both share lack of sleep as a symptom of mental illness. People with bipolar disorder may experience heightened energy and little need for rest or depressive episodes with excess sleep or lethargy.

Abrupt sleep patterns may also be a sign of PTSD, as people with PTSD experience nightmares, hallucinations, and severe anxiety.

Changes in eating habits

If you notice a change in eating patterns, it may be a sign of mental illness. People with body dysmorphia may feel a loss of appetite and refuse to eat. Alternatively, they may feel anxious and over-eat.

People with depression or anxiety-related illnesses may also experience extreme weight gain or loss due to a change in their diet.

Loss of interest / Apathy

A sudden loss of interest may also be a sign of mental illness. Someone who enjoys a particular hobby, such as singing, may feel too depressed or anxious to sing. Maybe someone who loves to hike or take nature walks hasn’t felt like going out for some time.

It’s important to look holistically at someone’s actions. We all have our low energy days when we don’t want to do something, and it’s perfectly normal to take a break. If they’ve stopped their hobbies for weeks or months at a time, it may be a sign of a more alarming issue.

Mood changes

Sudden mood shifts can be a sign of mental illness. Bipolar disorder, for example, causes extreme highs and lows in a person, from being ecstatic and full of energy at one instance and feeling lethargic and extremely depressed the next.

Mood changes must be seen as part of the overarching theme of pattern changes in an individual. Someone who is usually upbeat and happy does not necessarily have a mental illness if they appear sad or depressed. The most crucial aspects to look out for are duration and intensity. If someone feels extreme joy, coupled with reckless or dangerous behavior, it may be signs of a manic episode.

Lack of Focus / Concentration

Mental illness can prevent someone from concentrating on a specific task or event. They may be repeating a memory loop and forget to be in the moment. If having a conversation, they may space out or not pay attention to the other person. If you notice this, take note and don’t take it personally.

Often, chemical imbalances can cause overactive thinking and anxiety, making it extremely difficult for someone to concentrate. Take notice if the person says something irrational or may find fault or illogical assumptions from daily interactions.

Final Thoughts

Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all ironclad list of symptoms to diagnose mental illness. Some signs may only be temporary and might dissipate after some time.

It’s essential to look for broad patterns of changes. If you notice some or most of these symptoms, reach out to a licensed therapist today.