How to Identify Early Signs of Mental Health Illness

With much talk (rightly so) and focus on mental health, what’s even more important is the realization that one has mental health issues. Only after acceptance and recognition, one can choose to consult a professional for the resolution of such a problem.

Every one in four people experiences poor mental health at some point in life. Mental health issues do not unfold overnight. They are the result of changes gradually taking place in one’s life. Often these changes include genetic factors, biochemical imbalance or stressful events such as losing a job or a loved one, physical health issues, personal life problems, etc. 

Mental illness is a brain-oriented condition and affects a person as much as a physical illness. There are more than 200 defined forms of mental illness among which the common disorders are depression, anxiety, dementia, schizophrenia, etc.  Some people may visit a Psychiatry Clinic, but others may not seek treatment.

A person with such issues shows prominent instability in behavior. Mood disorders, changes in thinking patterns, vulnerability to external factors, social withdrawal, or a significant change in physical health are tell-tale signs of mental illness. 

These signs must be identified and intervened on time; this can potentially decrease the chances of mental health problem turning into a severe illness.  

There is ample information over the internet about the identification of mental health illness. Here, we are breaking it down for you in the simplest of terms.

1. Analyze Thinking Patterns

It must ring as a warning when a person has difficulty staying focused or making decisions. A person feels disconnected from routine life tasks due to constantly changing behaviors and thinking patterns. With too much on one’s mind, there may also be an effect on one’s short-term and long-term memory.

2. Major Mood Swings and Emotional Shifts

All of us have good and bad days. However, recurring and dramatic mood changes and emotional outbursts may indicate a mental health illness. For example, if you or a friend of yours have suddenly lost interest in a hobby, minor inconvenience can make you demotivated, and unexpected circumstances make you anxious and angry, then all of these call for professional help by a mental health expert. 

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3. Social Withdrawal and Isolation

There is nothing wrong with being on your own from time to time. We all need it to catch up on our lives at a private level. However, constantly excusing yourself out of social engagements, socially closing yourself off, and feeling disconnected from your loved ones could be a serious alarm of emotional and mental health issues.

4. Lack of Self-Care

A person with a mental health issue often loses interest in their hygiene, eating habits, and sleep routine. They may engage in risky behaviors such as resorting to drug or substance abuse. Losing appetite when a person was formerly a healthy eater could dictate the onset of a mental issue. Human beings generally require 7-9 hours of sleep a day. A person facing a mental health issue often experiences difficulty in taking proper sleep due to insomnia and/or anxiety. 

5. Feeling Hopelessness

Disturbed mental health often puts a person through feelings of guilt, worthiness, and hopelessness. They start blaming and criticizing themselves for every inconvenience in their life. This also leads to low self-esteem which in turn can be a driver for other mental health issues. Extreme despair could also make a person suicidal.

These indicative signs, especially when demonstrated together, call for urgent intervention and resolution. If you or your loved one are going through any of these signs, we urge you to take action and seek help from a professional counselor.