Many people may be experiencing a mental health illness or disorder without even recognizing it, as it is one of the most common health conditions in the United States. One in five Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year, and more than 50% will be diagnosed with a mental illness at some point in their lives.
As many people don’t recognize the signs, it is imperative to practice self-awareness and learn about what a mental illness or disorder is to help you learn and recognize the signs. In this article, you will learn about what mental illness is, what may cause it, the early warning signs and symptoms, and what steps to take on the road to diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
What is a Mental Illness?
A mental illness is a brain-based condition that affects how people think, feel, and act. There is a wide range of mental illnesses or disorders that affect your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), some of the most common mental illnesses include self-harm, suicide, sleep disorders, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and bipolar disorder, to name a few.
Mental illnesses can become a serious concern when ongoing signs and symptoms cause problems in a person’s daily life, including problems in social gatherings, work, family, or personal relationships. You may wonder what causes a person to suffer from one or more mental illnesses, but in general, it may be due to the genetic makeup of a person or environmental and risk factors.
Some people may have inherited some traits, and certain genes aid in the development of mental illness, or a life experience may trigger it. There are also environmental factors, including experiencing trauma or abuse and exposure to drugs or alcohol that may lead to a mental illness. Lastly, when brain chemistry suffers an impairment, or the nerves receptors change, it can lead to emotional disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and mood changes.
Furthermore, mental illness doesn’t discriminate based on age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or background, so anyone from children, young adults, and adults may suffer a mental illness. It is why we must develop self-awareness, so that we may recognize the signs of mental illness to seek help to get diagnosed and receive treatment.
How to Recognize Signs of Mental Illness in Yourself
The key to recognizing the signs of a mental illness in yourself is to practice self-awareness and learn to recognize the signs and changes in your own feelings, behavior, habits, and personality.
Note that becoming self-aware is easier said than done. It will take a lot of work, as you need to realize when you are experiencing changes in your feelings, behavior, or personality at any given time. It will take some reflection and introspection. However, for some people, it may be even more of a challenge, and some will even deny that they have a mental illness. This is often referred to as anosognosia or a “lack of awareness.”
According to the American Psychiatric Association, some signs and symptoms of a mental illness may include the following:
- Sleep or appetite changes
- Poor hygiene
- Dramatic mood changes
- Social withdrawal or lack of interest
- Drop in functioning, such as school or work
- Problem with concentration, memory, or logical thinking
- Increased sensitivity of senses
- Apathy – lack of motivation, interest, or concern often involving thinking or emotions
- Feeling disconnected from oneself or surroundings
- Illogical thinking
- Nervousness, fear, or suspicious feelings
- Unusual behavior
Note that at times, you may experience mental illness symptoms by showcasing physical problems as well. Examples of physical problems or body reactions to a mental illness include muscle aches and pains in the body, stomach pains, and headaches.
What Steps to Take
Suicidal thoughts or behavior are common signs of a mental illness. If you believe you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, seek help right away by calling 911, a mental health professional, or calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
For other types of mental illness signs and symptoms, you will need to receive a diagnosis from a mental health professional to establish the best course of treatment and recovery.
Diagnosis
You can get started by first contacting your health insurance provider to learn about the type of coverage you can receive for mental illness or disorders. Once you know about your health insurance coverage, you have the information you need to make an appointment with your primary care doctor or mental health professional.
During your first appointment, you may go through a physical exam and lab tests to rule out any physical problems or any underlying issues. You will also receive a psychological evaluation where you complete a questionnaire. Some of the questions will be about your symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and changes in behavior, habits, or routines.
Note that it will take time and effort to obtain an accurate diagnosis, and there’s a high range of different mental illnesses. However, you won’t be alone during the process as your mental health professional will guide you to understand the underlying reason for the symptoms you are experiencing.
It is also important you find the right mental health treatment for you.
Treatment
According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are several factors that must be taken into consideration to receive the right mental illness treatment. Your health care provider will need to determine how severe the symptoms are, how they cause distress in your daily life and the risks and benefits of available treatments.
As part of treatment, people may receive medication, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety, or mood-stabilizing medications to improve mental illness symptoms.
There are also psychotherapy treatments – talk therapy – where you will spend time talking and learning about your condition, mood, feelings, and behavior to determine the best long-term treatment for your mental illness.
Some other types of treatment include brain stimulation and residential treatment programs.
Above all else, you must understand that mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, and it is a common occurrence. If you are experiencing the above signs, consider getting an evaluation at a professional mental health treatment center.
At Alvarado Parkway Institute, our mission is to support clients in their quest for stability, serenity, and high quality of life that’s difficult to attain when living with an untreated mental illness. If you or a loved one needs help, call our 24-hour crisis line at 619-667-6125 to learn more. We can help get you on the path to living your best life today.
