How to Recognize Early Warning Signs of Mental Illness

If you have ever wondered if you or someone you know may have a mental disorder, this article on the warning signs of mental illness could be for you.

Mental illness is a broad term that refers to a wide range of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or addiction that affect your mood and the way you think, feel, and act. They can be a source of intense distress that has a negative impact on every area of your life, including your ability to perform daily chores or take care of your needs.

Mental illnesses rarely appear out of the blue. The early signs are not always easy to identify, however, unless you know what to look for. Symptoms can vary by person, depending on the type of disorder, and sometimes manifest as physical issues such as palpitations, shortness of breath, digestive problems, headaches, and other unexplained aches and pains.

Common warning signs of mental illness.

Typically, one of the first warning signs of mental illness in someone is just a general feeling that something seems off or out of character.

If two or more of these other symptoms are also present and have lasted for over two weeks, that is a red flag that should not be ignored.

• Confused thinking.
• Trouble concentrating or remembering things.
• Feeling sad or down.
• Intense fear or anxiety.
• Easily irritated.
• Anger that feels out of control.
• Loss of emotional regulation.
• Dramatic mood swings and shifts in feelings from highs to lows.
• Increased sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells, or touch.
• Feeling hopeless or overwhelmed.
• Withdrawing from friends and loved ones.
• Inability to complete tasks.
• Loss of interest in hobbies and activities once enjoyed.
• Sudden drop in performance at work or school.
• Difficulty performing familiar tasks.
• Sudden changes in basic habits such as self-care and personal hygiene.
• Constant fatigue and lack of energy.
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
• Feeling lost, distant, or numb.
• Frequent crying for no apparent reason.
• Becoming detached from your surroundings.
• Illogical thinking.
• Exaggerated beliefs about personal powers.
• Paranoia, delusions, and/or hallucinations.
• Inability to cope with stress or the demands of life.
• Out-of-character behavior.
• Major changes in eating habits.
• Changes in sex drive.
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs to cope.
• Engaging in reckless behavior.
• Feelings of worthlessness.
• Self-harm and/or thoughts of suicide.

Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. If you are struggling with it, know that you are not alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), nearly one in five adults in the United States has some type of mental health condition.

The good news is that mental illness can be treated, and you can go on to live a happy, normal life. Don’t let fear of the stigma of being labeled keep you from reaching out for help. The sooner you do, the better your chances for recovery.

If you have questions about this article on early warning signs of mental illness or would like to set up an appointment to meet with one of the faith-based counselors at this location, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. Your first appointment is risk-free.