An estimated 54 million Americans suffer from some sort of mental disorder in a given year, so it’s important to know the signs. These are a few signs to look for that maybe your loved one needs to see a mental health professional. To look at specific signs for specific disorders, I recommend visiting a mental health professional or talking to your doctor.
Adults, young adults and adolescents
2. Prolonged sadness or irritability
3. Extreme highs or extreme lows
4. Excessive fears, worries and anxieties
6. Changes in eating or sleeping that are dramatic
7. Strong feelings of anger
8. Strange thoughts such as delusions
10. Unable to cope with daily problems or activities
12. Several unexplained physical ailments
13. Continued substance use
Older Children or pre-adolescents
2. Unable to cope with daily problems or activities
3. Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping
4. Continued unexplained physical ailments
5. Cannot manage responsibilities such as school or things at home
6. Defiance such as truancy, theft, vandalism or of authority
7. Intense fear or worrying
8. Frequent outbursts of anger
9. Prolonged negative mood and/or thoughts of death
1. Changed in school performance
2. Poor grades despite strong efforts
3. Changes in sleep or eating patterns
4. Excessive worry or anxiety such as refusing to go to school or bed
7. Persistent disobedience or aggression
8. Frequent temper tantrums
As you can see, there are a lot of similarities in signs of mental illness. If you see several of these signs continuously occurring or these problems growing, see a professional immediately. Don’t forget to be there for that person and make sure their okay too. Most people with mental illness are fragile and vulnerable, so use caution with your words.
