Most people have never heard of the term “mental illness.”
They may be more familiar with terms like “mental health,”
“behavioral health,” or simply “mental disorders.”
Mental illness is a general term that refers to a variety of mental disorders.
A mental disorder is a diagnosable condition that significantly interferes with an individual’s cognition, emotion, or behavior.
In order to be diagnosed with a mental disorder, an individual must exhibit symptoms that cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Mental disorders are common; in fact, one in five adults will experience a mental disorder at some point in their lifetime.1 Mental disorders can affect people of any age, race, religion, or socioeconomic status. And while some conditions are more prevalent among certain groups-for example, women are more likely than men to experience depression-anyone can develop a mental disorder at any time.
Change in feelings or demeanor
If you’re experiencing a change in your feelings or demeanor, it could be a sign of mental illness. Mental illness is a medical condition that can cause changes in the way you think, feel, and behave. It’s important to remember that not everyone who experiences a change in their mood or behavior has mental illness. However, if you’re experiencing a significant and persistent change in your mood or behavior, it’s worth talking to your doctor or a mental health professional to see if you might be suffering from a mental illness.
Loss of interest
It can be hard to tell when you or a loved one is experiencing a loss of interest. It may seem like they’ve just become less active or more withdrawn, but it can be a sign of something more serious. If you’re noticing that someone has lost interest in activities they once enjoyed, it’s important to reach out for help. A professional can assess if the person is going through a normal life change or if they’re experiencing something more serious, like depression.
Change in sleeping habits
A change in sleeping habits can be a sign of mental illness. If you are suddenly sleeping more or less than you used to, it could be a sign that something is wrong. You may also have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep if you are mentally ill. You may find yourself waking up early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep.
Low energy
Other symptoms of low energy include feeling sluggish, having difficulty concentrating and remembering things, and feeling down or depressed. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it’s important to see your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
There are many potential causes of low energy levels, including anemia, hypothyroidism, diabetes, adrenal fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome and depression. Treatments for low energy levels will vary depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, simply making lifestyle changes – such as getting more exercise and eating a healthy diet – can improve your energy levels.
Difficulty interacting
Mental illness can make it hard to carry on a conversation, start a new one, or keep up with an existing one. You may find yourself withdrawing from social activities because they are too overwhelming or because you don’t think you’ll be able to fit in. If you used to enjoy going out with friends but now feel exhausted just thinking about it, this could be a sign that something is wrong.
It’s not unusual for people with mental illness to have trouble reading social cues, such as body language and tone of voice. This can make it hard to know when someone is joking around and when they’re being serious. As a result, you may unintentionally say something that offends someone or that makes them uncomfortable without meaning to.
If you’re having difficulty interacting socially, it’s important to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about what might be going on. They can help you figure out if there’s an underlying problem that needs to be addressed and come up with a plan for how to deal with it.
Appetite or weight changes
For a lot of people, changes in appetite or weight can be some of the first signs that something is wrong. It’s not always easy to tell if these changes are due to an underlying mental illness, but there are some things to look out for that may be indicative of a problem.
If you’re noticing that you’re eating more or less than usual, and this change is accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue, trouble sleeping, anxiety, or depression, it’s worth considering whether an underlying mental illness may be to blame. If you’re suddenly losing or gaining a lot of weight without any change in your diet or activity level, this could also be a sign that something is wrong.
Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that changes in appetite and weight can also be due to physical illnesses or medications. If you’re concerned about any changes you’re experiencing, it’s always best to check with your doctor to rule out any other potential causes.
Uncontrollable emotions
It’s normal to feel sad, anxious, or angry sometimes. However, if you’re struggling to control your emotions on a daily basis, it could be a sign of a mental health condition.
Mental illness can cause extreme emotions that are out of proportion to the situation. For example, you may feel overwhelming sadness after receiving some bad news, even though other people in your life would see it as minor. Or you may have an irrational fear of something that doesn’t pose a real threat to you.
These intense emotions can make it hard for you to function in your everyday life. You may have difficulty going to work or taking care of yourself and your family. Mental illness can also lead to substance abuse and suicidal thoughts or attempts.
If you’re struggling with uncontrollable emotions, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about treatment options. With proper care, you can learn how to manage your symptoms and live a happy and fulfilling life.