Jan 27, 2023
Does this sound familiar? You feel low, not motivated to work, meet friends, or even take on your daily routine. Are you facing a constant state of sadness, and days and nights are colored by shades of blue?
You may constantly be assuring yourself that this is just a phase. Maybe physically, you feel great no matter what, but inside, you know something is not right
I know this sounds vague…but even though mood swings are part of human experiences, a constant state of any negative emotion can be a sign of something bigger that needs your attention.
Just like our physical health, prioritizing our mental health is critical. I am not trying to burden you with thoughts that something is wrong, but exploring your circumstances is important. Learning about mental health and related disorders can help you understand what you’re going through.
Whether you experience chronic depression, or just a feeling that life is a losing battle, you can find ways to better the situation.
Together, let’s understand what mental health is, the signs of mental illness, and how mental health therapy can help you!
What are 5 Signs of Mental Illness: Recovery Starts with Awareness
Catching mental illness early is crucial to reocvery. Over half of people with a mental illness aren't getting the help they need, which can exacerbate symptoms and the lifespan of mental illness. Catching mental illness early ensures you receive coping mechanisms and mental health treatment before things get worse.
1. Depressive Disorders
Depression is a serious mental health condition that can impact millions of people worldwide. A variety of mental illness symptoms, such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and changes in mood and behavior, can characterize it.
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness.
- Loss of interest in activities and hobbies
- Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
- Fatigue and lack of energy
Types of Depressive Disorders:
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Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) |
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) |
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) |
Postpartum Depression (PPD) |
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This type of depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. |
This is a type of depression characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities lasting for at least two years. |
This is a depression related to changes in seasons and typically occurs during the fall and winter months. |
This is a type of depression that can occur after giving birth, characterized by feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and lack of interest in the baby. |
2. Anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders can cause a lot of fear, worry, and nervousness. Lets understand the symptoms of Anxiety Disorder:
- Persistent worrying or fear
- Physical symptoms such as increased heart rate and sweating
- Avoiding certain situations or places due to fear
- Difficulty sleeping
Anxiety is often comorbid with depression, meaning they can occur at the same time. If you are experiencing both anxiety and depression, talk to a mental health therapist about a diagnosis.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) |
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) |
Panic Disorder (PD) |
Specific Phobia |
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This type of anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive and persistent worrying about various events or situations. |
This type of anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive fear of social situations and interactions. |
This is characterized by unexpected and recurrent panic attacks. |
This type of anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive fear and avoidance of specific objects or situations. |
3. Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a type of mental illness that can cause extreme mood swings between highs and lows. Believe it or not, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about 2.8% of adults in the U.S., or about 5.7 million people, had bipolar disorder. This disorder usually starts in late adolescence or early adulthood, and affects men and women equally. The common signs of mental breakdown that are found in people with bipolar disorder are as follows.
- Extreme mood swings (manic and depressive episodes)
- Increased energy and activity during manic episodes
- Poor judgment and impulsiveness during manic episodes
- Difficulty functioning during depressive episodes
Types of Bipolar Disorder
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Bipolar I Disorder |
Bipolar II Disorder |
Cyclothymic Disorder |
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This is characterized by extreme episodes that last at least seven days or extreme symptoms that are so severe the person needs immediate hospital care. Typically, depressive episodes also occur in Bipolar I. |
This is characterized by a pattern of manic episodes that are less severe than those in Bipolar I disorder, known as hypomanic episodes, as well as episodes of major depression. |
This is characterized by cycles of hypomanic and depressive symptoms, but the symptoms are not severe enough to be diagnosed as Bipolar I or Bipolar II. |
4. Schizophrenia Disorder
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects about 1% of the world's population. It tends to be more common in men than women and usually starts in late teenage years or early adulthood. With the right treatment, many people with schizophrenia can lead fulfilling lives, but the recovery process can be difficult and may take time. Some of the common mental disorder symptoms are as mentioned below.
- Hallucinations (hearing, seeing, or sensing things that aren't there)
- Delusions (fixed false beliefs)
- Disordered thinking and speech
- Apathy or lack of motivation
In case you or someone you know is facing any such symptom, reaching out for mental health therapy can help. Your therapist will be able to diagnose the type of schizophrenia you could be suffering from and the right treatment process.
To give you a better understanding, here are the different types of Schizophrenia:
Types of Schizophrenia
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Paranoid Schizophrenia |
Catatonic Schizophrenia |
Disorganized Schizophrenia (Hebephrenia) |
Undifferentiated Schizophrenia |
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This is characterized by delusions of persecution or grandeur and auditory hallucinations (hearing voices or other sounds that are not real). |
This is characterized by episodes of abnormal movements, such as catatonia (a state of being stiff and immobile) or excitement. |
This is characterized by disorganized speech, behavior and thinking, lack of motivation, and flat affect (limited emotional expression). |
This is characterized by symptoms that do not fit the criteria of other subtypes of schizophrenia. |
5. Personality disorders
Personality disorder is characterized by patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior that deviate significantly from cultural and societal norms. It can be difficult to determine the exact prevalence of personality disorders as many people do not seek help and may not be diagnosed. However, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that about 9% of adults in the U.S., or about 22 million people, have a personality disorder.
If you think you are among the 9%, read on to understand these mental illness signs.
Symptoms of Personality Disorder:
- Unstable relationships
- Unstable moods and emotions
- Unclear self-image
- Impulsive and reckless behavior
Types of Personality Disorders
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Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) |
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) |
Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) |
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) |
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This is characterized by intense and unstable emotions, impulsive behavior, and turbulent relationships. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), it is estimated that around 1.6% of the U.S. adult population (about 4 million people) have BPD. |
This is characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, an intense need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. According to the NIMH, it is estimated that around 1% of the U.S. population (about 2.8 million people) have NPD. |
This is characterized by a pattern of disregard for the rights of others, lack of empathy, and impulsive behavior. According to the NIMH, it is estimated that around 1% of the U.S. population (about 3 million people) have ASPD. |
This is characterized by a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control. According to the NIMH, it is estimated that around 2-7% of the U.S. population (about 5.4-15.8 million people) have OCPD. |
A mental health professional can help diagnose personality disorders. Right treatment, therapy, and support, can help improve the condition and lead fulfilling lives.
How To Recognize Signs of Mental Health Issues?
Mental illness can be challenging to spot since many symptoms are similar to stress-induced episodes and short-term conditions. Knowing how to recognize the signs of mental illness or signs of bad mental health is essential to get the needed help.
To start, take notice if someone appears chronically overwhelmed or struggling even when they should be feeling quite relaxed. Other signs include:
- A lack of self-care or poor hygiene.
- Dramatic changes in personality or behavior.
- Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness.
- Increased reliance on drugs or alcohol.
If these behaviors persist and become more severe over time, it is likely signs of mental incompetence or a sign of an underlying mental illness. Mental health professionals are skilled in identifying these conditions and helping individuals find relief through therapy and medication when needed.
Signs Someone Is Struggling with Their Mental Health
If a loved one starts acting strange, it's important to act fast. Remember that if someone says they are struggling, believe them. Don't question them, just try to get them the help they need.
If they don't think anything is wrong, but you've noticed an unexplained behavioral or emotional shift, the conversation may be a little more difficult. Make note of the changes you've seen and sit down with them to have an honest conversation. Bring up your observations, but let them talk more than you do. They might just be going through a difficult time.
Early signs someone has a mental illness include:
- Forgetting big events
- Outbursts of anger or irritability
- Drastic changes in sleep and eating patterns
- Changes in personality (suddenly euphoric or depressed when previously not)
- Substance abuse
- Reckless behavior
- Talks about death or wanting to die
If a loved one expresses thoughts of suicide, believe them. Try to support them best you can, and encourage them to get mental health help. You can read more about supporting a loved one through suicidal ideations here.
What Age Does Mental Illness Typically Start?
Most metal illnesses start young. 50% start by age 14 and and 75% by age 24. However, some start later in life or are triggered by a traumatic or stressful event.
How Mental Health Therapy Can Help
Mental health therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is a treatment designed to help people understand and manage their mental health symptoms. This mental therapy can treat various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders.
Different types of in-person and virtual mental health therapy include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, and interpersonal therapy. Cognitive therapy typically involves regularly meeting with a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed therapist. During these mental therapy sessions, the therapist will work with the individual to help them understand their symptoms and develop coping strategies to manage them.
Mental health therapy can help people understand the underlying causes of their mental health disorder, learn to manage the warning signs of mental illness, and enhance relationships and functioning in daily life. Treatment for mental health can be done individually or in a group setting, depending on the person's needs and preferences. It can be a combination of different techniques, such as medication and therapy, that can help to reduce symptoms and improve the overall quality of life.
It's important to note that therapy for mental health is a process that requires commitment and can take time. Finding a therapist that is a good fit for the individual need is also essential, as a positive therapeutic relationship is crucial for success.
Conclusion
Recognizing the signs of mental illness or mental health warning signs can be difficult, and many don't know where to start. Mental illnesses may manifest through physical cues, such as increased irritability, lack of appetite, or excessive sleeping. They can also manifest through behavioral patterns, such as withdrawal from activities they used to enjoy or intense mood swings.
It is essential for individuals who recognize these signs of mental illness in themselves or someone else to get proper help from trained mental health professionals and support from friends and family. Supporting someone diagnosed with a mental illness is an active process that requires patience and dedication; however, it can be gratifying and bring about positive change in a person's life. Reach out to Lifebulb to find the best therapist now!
