People with mental illness may experience a variety of mood changes, including depression, anxiety, and irritability. Additionally, people can stop enjoying the things they used to appreciate, have trouble focusing, or have trouble thinking effectively.
According to Positive Reset Mental Health, mental illness is not an easy condition to diagnose, but there are several warning signs that you can look for if you have a friend or family member who is struggling. The earlier you get them the help they need, the better.
1. Anxiety
If you have anxiety, it can feel like there’s a constant threat to your life. These emotions could be strong or love for a while. They might obstruct your everyday routine. You might also become agitated or depressed as a result.
Some people develop anxiety because of a traumatic experience. These can be abuse, the loss of a loved one, or a protracted illness. Others experience anxiety as a result of constant stress related to their jobs, families, or finances.
If ignored, these symptoms can become difficult to manage and eventually cause major issues. Getting assistance as soon as possible might significantly alter how you feel.
The most effective method for treating anxiety problems is thought to be talk therapy or psychotherapy. It teaches you how to stop thinking and behaving in ways that trigger your anxiety.
Medications such as antidepressants are used to reduce or eliminate your symptoms. Depending on the sort of disease you have, your doctor may recommend one or more drugs.
The condition can also be treated through behavioral therapies. These include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and problem-solving therapy.
Other treatments for anxiety can include changes in your diet. Eating the right foods, like a balanced diet with whole grains and lean meats, can help to improve your mood and energy levels.
Your doctor might also recommend exercise. Taking part in regular physical activity releases brain chemicals that lower your stress level.
You should also get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can worsen your anxiety symptoms.
It’s critical to seek help for mental health issues, according to Chand. “Most people who suffer from anxiety and depression do not seek help until their symptoms have gotten so severe that they interfere with their lives.”
2. Depression
While we all get sad, moody, or low from time to time, depression is a chronic condition that can cause problems with daily living and lead to suicide. It can make working and maintaining good health difficult and may also affect their relationships with others.
It can be hard to recognize when someone has depression, but the symptoms are usually present for more than two weeks or are getting worse. They should seek medical attention as a result because they require assistance.
Some of the signs of depression include feeling tired most of the time, a loss of interest in activities, and a lack of energy, as well as thoughts of death or suicide. These range from moderate to severe and depend on the individual.
There are many different types of depression, so it’s important to see your doctor if you have any of the signs listed here. They can then refer you to a mental health professional.
To make you feel better, they’ll combine medical care with psychotherapy. They might also suggest drugs, which can alter the depressive brain chemistry.
This type of treatment can take some time to find the right combination for you, but it’s worth it. Treatment early can prevent the symptoms from worsening and make it easier for you to maintain normal life activities and relationships.
It’s also important to remember that no one suffers from depression in the same way, and you or a loved one should seek help as soon as possible. This can save your life and the lives of other people. Consulting with licensed therapists can provide valuable guidance and support throughout your journey toward better mental health.
3. Loss of interest in hobbies
Loss of interest in interests and pursuits is a frequent sign of mental illness, particularly depression. It may affect your relationships, work and school productivity, and sexual health.
It may also have a negative impact on your sleep and mood, so you should make sure to get adequate rest. Physical activity can also help improve your mood and reduce symptoms of depression, so try to incorporate exercise into your daily routine as much as possible.
If you’re having trouble coping with losing interest in your favorite hobbies and interests, it might be time to seek professional help. You can alter your unfavourable thoughts and behaviours with the aid of psychotherapy techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In some circumstances, medications like antidepressants can be beneficial.
Sometimes you can overcome a lack of interest in a hobby or interest by simply trying new things. For example, if you’ve been taking up knitting but find it boring, give it a shot with other materials or a different type of yarn.
Many people find that the dopamine rush they experience at the start of an activity fades over time, making them feel bored or tired of their favorite pastimes. This is a normal part of learning to do something new, but it can become a problem if it doesn’t stop after a while.
Getting help can be difficult, but it’s important to talk to your doctor and ask for treatment options. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best course of treatment for you, whether you require psychological or physical therapy. They can also help you access Medicare rebates for appointments with psychologists or other mental health professionals.
4. Self-harming
If you see signs that someone you know is self-harming, seeking help is important. You should not judge or make assumptions about their reasons for self-harming.
You can help them by listening and making them feel safe talking. This can help them get the help they need and break the cycle of self-harm.
Self-harming is not a mental health issue in itself, but it is often linked to mental illness or emotional distress. It could be the result of depression, anxiety, a mood disorder, or even eating disorders.
People who are self-harming do it in a way that’s aimed at hurting themselves, usually through scratching or cutting. It’s a form of self-harm that can be very painful and may have permanent scars.
It can cause other problems, too, like causing more severe injuries than intended and taking time away from important things in their lives. It can also lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment.
Another warning sign is the frequent use of bandages and other items to cover wounds. This can be a sign of self-harming that’s done in a secretive way.
If your loved one is self-harming, it’s also important to keep an eye out for any other signs they may be suffering from a mental health problem. These could be heightened sadness, depression, unpredictability, or unexplained cuts or scratches.
Getting help from a professional who is trained to treat self-harming behavior can be the first step in breaking this cycle. They can provide various treatment options, including psychotherapy (talk therapy) or medication to treat the underlying mental illness. They can also help you learn new coping skills that won’t involve harming yourself.
5. Suicide
Suicide is a death by intentional injury or harm to self that occurs when someone harms themselves because of feelings of hopelessness or despair. It is a very common and devastating problem worldwide, with 703 000 people taking their lives in 2019.
Suicidal thoughts are an important sign of mental illness. They are often accompanied by other symptoms of the disorder, such as depression or anxiety. Certain events, such as a break-up, loss of income, or illness, can also trigger them.
A person who has suicidal thoughts should seek help from a mental health professional right away. Symptoms of mental illnesses can be very subtle and can be easily missed, so early detection is crucial.
Getting help early is especially important for those who are at high risk for suicide. A healthcare provider may be able to tell if you are at high risk based on your symptoms and personal history. They will want to know when you started experiencing these symptoms, how often they occur, and if your family has other mental health issues that can increase your risk of suicide.
They will also ask about any current medical problems you have or conditions that could run in your family. If you have a history of suicide attempts, they will be more likely to refer you to a mental health professional.
Suicide is a serious public health issue affecting families, communities, and entire countries worldwide. It can have lasting effects on the lives of the people who commit suicide and those left behind. It can deeply impact a person’s emotional well-being, sense of self, and identity.
