Trying to tell the difference between commonly expected behaviors, and what might be signs of a mental illness, isn't always easy. There's no easy test that can let a person know whether mental illness is at play or if actions and thoughts might be typical behaviors for any given person or if is the result of a physical illness.
Each illness has its own set of symptoms, but common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents can include:
- Excessive worrying, sadness or fear
- Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning
- Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria
- Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger
- Avoiding friends and social activities or difficulties relating to other people
- Changes in sleeping or eating habits and changes in sex drive
- Difficulty perceiving reality (delusions or hallucinations)
- Inability to perceive changes in one’s own feelings, behavior, or personality
- Overuse of substances like alcohol or drugs
- Multiple physical ailments without obvious causes (such as headaches, stomach aches, vague and ongoing “aches and pains”)
- Thinking about suicide
- Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress
- Intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance
- Symptoms in children may include the following:
- Changes in school performance
- Excessive worry or anxiety, for instance, fighting to avoid bed or school
- Hyperactive behavior
- Frequent nightmares, temper tantrums, disobedience or aggression
Where To Get Help
Don’t be afraid to reach out if you, or someone you know, need(s) help. Learning all you can about mental health is an important first step.
Reach out to your primary care doctor, or health insurance to evaluate your symptoms and explore available resources.
Contact the FSAP at 305-284-6604 to secure an appointment and develop a game plan for addressing mental illness or to find out what services and supports are available in our community.
If you or someone you know needs help urgently, go to the nearest hospital emergency room, or call 911 for immediate help.
Source: www.nami.org
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