One must not ignore mental illness symptoms as it is necessary to treat the symptoms. By being aware of the symptoms, it is possible to take the required medical action.
Major mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder rarely appear “out of the blue.” Most often family, friends, teachers or individuals themselves begin to recognize small changes or a feeling that “something is not quite right” about their thinking, feelings or behavior before illness appears in its full-blown form. Symptoms, illness, mental disorders cannot be side-tracked.
Mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions — disorders that do affect one’s mood, thinking, and behavior. One is faced with depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviors.
Many people are much concerned with mental health concerns from time to time. But a mental health concern does become a mental illness when ongoing signs as well as symptoms that do cause frequent stress and also affect one’s ability to function.
Mental illness can indeed make a person miserable and can cause problems in one’s daily life, such as at work or in relationships. In most cases, symptoms can rather be managed with a combination of medications and counseling (psychotherapy).
It is better to know more about symptoms, or early warning signs as a person can take needful action. Early intervention can help reduce the severity of illness. It may even be possible to delay or prevent a major mental illness altogether. Symptoms, illness, mental disorders.
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Signs & Symptoms
In case one is experiencing any of the following then it is better to consult a mental health professional. What sort of symptoms does one need to face up to?
Sleep or appetite changes:
Dramatic sleep as well as appetite changes or decline in personal care.
Mood changes:
Rapid or dramatic shifts in emotions or depressed feelings.
Withdrawal:
No doubt in case of social withdrawal and loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
Drop-in functioning:
there is an unusual drop in functioning, at school, work or social activities, such as quitting sports, failing in school or difficulty in performing familiar tasks
Problems thinking:
One does face problems with concentration, memory or logical thought as well as speech that are hard to explain.
Increased sensitivity:
Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells or touch; avoidance of over-stimulating situations
Apathy:
Loss of initiative or desire to participate in any activity
Feeling disconnected:
A vague feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one’s surroundings; a sense of unreality
Illogical thinking:
Unusual or exaggerated beliefs about personal powers to understand meanings or influence events; illogical or “magical” thinking typical of childhood in an adult
Nervousness:
Fear or suspiciousness of others or a strong nervous feeling
Unusual behavior:
The odd, uncharacteristic, peculiar behavior
Signs and symptoms of mental illness can indeed differ, much depending on the particular disorder, circumstances as well as other factors. Mental illness symptoms can rather affect emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
Other signs and symptoms include:
o Feeling sad or down
o Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
o Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
o Extreme mood changes of highs and lows
o Withdrawal from friends and activities
o Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping
o Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations
o Inability to cope with daily problems or stress
o Trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people
o Alcohol or drug abuse
o Major changes in eating habits
o Sex drive changes
o Excessive anger, hostility or violence
o Suicidal thinking
One or two of these symptoms alone cannot alone predict a mental illness but may indicate a need for further evaluation. People who suffer from suicidal thoughts or intent, or thoughts of harming others, do require immediate attention. Symptoms, illness, mental disorders need to be taken seriously.
Also-read: Men Face Problems Seeking Mental Illness Treatment