Signs Of Mental Illness

Knowing the signs of mental illness is difficult since it has a broad range of cases. It will require a lot of tests and processes that can identify its diagnosis and only a mental health expert can determine the behavioral changes. The disorder is widespread and over millions of people are suffering from such conditions. It drastically affects a person’s relationship, work, family, and other aspects of life.

 

Source: pixabay.com

 

What Exactly Is A Mental Disorder?

Mental illness is classified as a mild or severe interruption in a person’s thoughts and behavior. It gives an emotional, physical, and psychological dysfunction that makes it hard for him to cope up with everyday life activities. It dramatically affects his relationship with others and can sometimes cause self-inflicting harm if not attended. It has a variety of cases that go over a hundred classified forms. In most cases, a person with mental illness has no control over his actions, lacks typically the interest of socializing, and has difficulties differentiating fantasy to reality. “A mental illness cannot be willed away or brushed aside with a change in attitude. Ignoring the problem doesn’t give it the slip either.” As explained by Deborah Serani, PsyD.

What Is The Cause Of Mental Illness?

Though there is no exact cause of the disorder, research is becoming clear that the condition has something to do with the combination of a person’s psychological, biological, and environmental factors. The genetics or family history of having a mental disorder also has something to do with its development. It can be from his upbringing, social contact, biochemical imbalance, and dysfunctional brain chemistry.

“Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act.” –Catherine Cleveland M.S., LMHC-P

Emotional Symptoms – Symptoms of mental illness considerably affect emotional behavior. Though there are a wide variety of cases that can contribute to its diagnosis, here is some of the most common identification of its circumstances.

  • A drastic change in mood
  • Excessive fears and worries
  • Prolonged feeling of anger, violence, and hostility
  • Extreme feeling of guilt
  • Chronic anxiety
  • An exaggerated sense of self-worth
  • Feeling excessively sad and low
  • Lack of insights

 

Source: pixabay.com

 

Psychological Symptoms – The psychological symptoms of mental health disorders are very unusual. Though most of them are common, they are considered the most dangerous indications. Here is a list of things that somehow makes it identifiable.

  • Having delusions and hallucinations
  • The thought of committing suicide
  • Difficulties in adjustments
  • Difficulties understanding other people
  • Depression
  • Drug and alcohol abuse
  • Intense fear of weight gain
  • Social Withdrawal

Physical Symptoms – The symptoms of mental illness can clearly reflect the physical aspect of a person. The changes can happen drastically and sometimes have long-term effects.

  • Eating disorders
  • Electrolyte imbalance
  • Change in sleeping habits
  • Inability to work on daily activities
  • Intense fear of weight gain
  • Change in sex drive
  • Having low energy
  • Increased sensitivity
  • Unexplained physical ailments
  • Hyperactivity
  • Persistent aggression

According to Christina L. Gmyr, LMHC, NCC, “Mental health issues can be caused by a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors, and can have a minor or major impact on a person’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors.” Knowing some of the signs of mental illness is the first step in treating the disorder. Though the treatment and diagnosis may vary from one person to another, the patient should consider options such as counseling or therapy, social support, extensive medication, and educational awareness.