Signs and symptoms of mental illness-how to treat it?

Mental Illness

Have you ever experienced severe emotional suffering? Many people have mental health concerns from time to time. But a mental health concern becomes a mental illness when ongoing signs and symptoms cause frequent stress and affect your ability to function. A mental collapse may be like that. Some people feel it gradually, while others might feel it all of a sudden. It is possible that you will get too overwhelmed to function normally. Mental health can lasts for a short time or for whole life. Each type of mental illness has a different set of symptoms.

 Symptoms  

 Signs and symptoms of mental illness can vary, depending on the disorder, circumstances and other factors. Mental illness symptoms can affect emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Some people may show behavioral changes, while others show physical symptoms. Men and women can also exhibit signs of depression differently. However, if you recognize any of these signs for more than several days in yourself, a friend, or a family member, seeking help should always be your first step so you can get them the care they need.

1 Mood changes

Changes in mood quickly or dramatically, depression, increased irritation these all are signs of mental illness. During a mood swing, an individual may quickly switch from feeling happy to feeling sad, irritable, or angry.

2 Feeling sad or down

People with mental disorders experience extreme mood swings that include emotional highs and lows. The depressive phase can include profound sadness and despair. 

3 Confused thinking

They always seem to be confused about concentrating, remembering, thinking, and making decisions.

4 Nervousness

A strong, uneasy sensation or fear or suspicion of other people make them feel nervous.

5 Adopting these four harmful habits

Changes in sleep schedules, diet and exercise routines that are too radical to be explained by normal aging might be indicators of mental illness. Examples include sleeping in unusually late, dining excessively or failing to exercise because of a sudden lack of interest. 

6 Feeling disconnected

 A feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one's surrounding and a sense of unreality is also a symptom of mental illness.

7 Being more quiet and lost

If this is a major change from your usual personality it could indicate a mental health disorder. If a person is isolating themselves and refusing to join in social activities, they may need help.

8 Thoughts about death and suicide

Often people who are considering suicide are dealing with a combination of mental ill-health and difficult life events. Negative thoughts of death and suicide always comes into their minds. 

9 Feeling depressed or unhappy

Feeling depressed may include feeling sad, irritated or numb, lacking in motivation and energy or being teary all the time. It may include losing interest in a hobby or not enjoying things that you usually enjoy.

What causes mental illness

There is not a single cause of mental illness. There is not one cause it is a mixture of different factors. It may include genetics and part of the social environment in which you are growing up. It can also be impacted by how your brain works, and also your social group and life experience. 

Factors that affect mental health

Genetic factor

 Having a family member with a mental illness increases the chances that another one will also suffer from it.

Environment and experiences of our life 

 Experiences such as the way we are treated by others, our financial situation, our relationships, where we work, life changes and our physical health all affect our mental health.

Upbringing

Mental illness may be passed by the family members for the different reasons. If you have a family history of the mental illness you have a higher chance of developing mental illness in these situations. The environment in which we grow up shapes our brain development and these events can have a long lasting and negative impact on our mental health.

Diagnosis of mental health illness

It is important to get a diagnosis from a doctor by talking about your symptoms. You need an accurate diagnosis to receive the right treatment. Doctor will ask some questions about your mood. They will also ask about your behaviour and anything is worrying you. Some experiences can increase the chance of developing a mental illness.

Physical exam

Your doctor will try to understand physical problems that could cause your symptoms.

Lab tests

These may include test of your thyroid function or a screening for alcohol and drugs.

Psychological evaluation 

A doctor or mental health professional asks about your symptoms, thoughts, feelings and behavior. You may be asked to fill out a questionnaire to help answer these questions.

When to consult a doctor

If you are experiencing symptoms of mental illness it can be hard to know when to see a doctor as feelings like sadness or worry can change over time. If those feelings or symptoms are having an impact on your daily life then it is important to get help. Your doctor will ask questions about your thoughts and mood. They will also ask about your behaviors and if anything is worrying you.