Common forms of mental illness include:
Depression
Anxiety disorders
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Dementia
You may start to notice personality or mood changes in someone you love. They may also change their habits or seclude themselves from social interactions.
Mental illness can be caused by severe stressors, including death, divorce or job loss. It may also be caused by a genetic component, chemical imbalance, or a combination of all of these. Fortunately, with proper treatment, those with a mental illness can often learn to cope with their disorder and lead a healthy life.
It can be challenging to determine whether someone you love is dealing with mental illness, particularly in young children and teens. Here are some of the most common symptoms.
Persistent sadness or irritability
Extreme anxiety or fear
Having extreme emotional highs and lows
Severe anger
Delusional thoughts
Confused thinking
Hearing or seeing things that aren’t there
Suicidal thoughts
Substance abuse
Inability to cope with daily life
Substance abuse
Vandalism, theft or defying authority
Intense or unpredictable mood swings
Poor appetite
Suicidal thoughts
Outbursts of anger
A change in sleeping or eating patterns
Inability to manage responsibilities at school or home
Poor school performance
Extreme fear or anxiety
Persistent nightmares
Changes in sleeping or eating habits
Frequently being disobedient or angry, or throwing temper tantrums
Hyperactivity
Mental illness affects everyone, not just the individual. Families can find the support and care they need through both family and individual counseling.
Not only is your family doctor likely to be the first medical professional who identifies that an individual is experiencing the symptoms of a mental illness, they may be able to provide referrals, help you build a treatment plan, or even have a mental health professional on staff. Never hesitate to bring up any unusual symptoms you or a loved one are experiencing with your primary care physician – even if those symptoms are mental, not physical!
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