Mental illnesses are not always obvious. Some mental health conditions often appear slowly and gradually, making it hard to notice the symptoms. Some people may even deny that they are experiencing a mental health problem.
If you suspect that someone you care about might need help, there are many resources available to assist you. You can also seek professional help if you think your loved one needs it.
Your mental health is as important as your physical health. You will not be wasting anyone’s time.
If someone you care about seems to need help with a mental illness, it is best to get them help from a mental health professional right away. If you feel like you may need help yourself, talk to your doctor or therapist.
Depressed people, especially young people, often have a lot of physical signs that can help to identify them as depressed. However, it is important to remember that not all depressed people show these signs, so it should be considered only when symptoms are present.
Early intervention increases the likelihood of lessening the illness’ severity, hastening the patient’s recovery, and, in rare cases, preventing the illness altogether.
What Causes Mental Illness?
The exact cause of mental illness is unknown, but researchers believe that genetics play a role. Other factors include childhood trauma, environmental stressors, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, and brain chemistry.
A combination of genetic and environmental factors can lead to mental illness. For example, a child who was abused by his mother may develop a mental condition later in life. This could be caused by changes in the way his brain processes information.
A family history of mental illness is another risk factor for developing the disorder yourself. People whose parents or siblings have experienced mental illness are more likely to experience a mental condition themselves.
What are the 5 warning signs of mental illness?
- 1. Changes in sleep patterns
People who have been diagnosed with depressive mental disorders often experience insomnia or oversleeping. They may also find themselves sleeping too much during the day and waking up tired.
- 2. Loss of appetite
Depression causes a loss of appetite, which can lead to weight loss or anorexia. People suffering from this condition may eat little or nothing at all.
- 3. Difficulty concentrating
If someone has difficulty focusing on one thing for long periods of time.
- 4. Feeling sad or hopeless
Feeling down, blue, or having no interest in anything is common. This feeling of sadness can last for weeks or months.
- 5. Thoughts of suicide
Suicide is the ultimate expression of despair. If someone thinks about killing themselves, they need immediate medical attention.
How do I recognise someone who needs help?
When someone shows any of the disorder symptoms above, it is best to act immediately. It is never too late to get help.
The sooner you intervene, the better your chances of helping the individual. The earlier you act, the more likely you are to prevent them from causing serious harm to themselves.
If you suspect someone is experiencing a mental health issue, there are several things you can do:
- Talk to the person directly. Ask how they are doing, what's going on in their life, and whether they need help.
- Listen carefully. Don't interrupt or talk over the person. Let them finish talking before responding.
- Offer emotional support. Show empathy by acknowledging the person's emotions and concerns.
- Encourage the person to seek professional help.
- Get help yourself. You don't have to go through this alone. There are many resources available to assist you.
- Contact your local community mental health centre. These centres provide free counselling services to anyone who wants to discuss their concerns and worries.
Mental health problems are very common.
- It is very typical to experience a mental health problem. Up to 25% of people are predicted to do so at some point in their lives.
- Each person will react to these issues differently, and some people will experience these issues more severely than others.
- Even though it could be challenging, it is crucial to act and seek help as soon as you suspect something is wrong to start the road to recovery.
What are typical symptoms of depression?
A typical symptom of depression is feeling sad, empty, and worthless. They think everything is wrong, including their own thoughts. He, she, or they may feel guilty, angry, anxious, or fearful. Mental disorders can also make a person lose interest in activities they used to enjoy.
What are the top symptoms of depression?
- Lack of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Trouble falling asleep
- Poor concentration
- Irritability
- Suicidal ideation (thoughts of suicide)
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Inability to concentrate
- Appetite changes
- Insomnia
- Low self-esteem
- Anxiety
- Memory lapses
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation
- Crying spells
How are you Diagnosed?
A diagnosis of major depression requires that you meet at least four out of the nine criteria listed below:
1) You feel sad or empty much of the time for two weeks or more.
2) Your sleep patterns change. You may find yourself sleeping too little or too much.
3) You lose interest in things you used to enjoy.
4) You lose your appetite.
5) You experience feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
6) You have trouble concentrating.
7) You feel restless or agitated most of the day.
8) You think about death or suicide.
9) You have a depressed mood most days.
Other disorders such as anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, compulsive or regular recreational drug use, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and personality disorders often go with depression.
Can Depression be treated?
Yes! Treatment includes medication, therapy, exercise, diet, and lifestyle changes.
Medication is usually prescribed when a person has mild to moderate depression. Some people also benefit from psychotherapy, which involves working with a therapist to identify and resolve issues.
Medicine can prevent episodes of mania and depression – this drug is known as a mood stabiliser, and you take them every day on a long-term basis.
Exercise helps relieve stress, improve sleep, and boost mood. People with depression should try to get 30 minutes of aerobic activity every day. They might also do muscle strengthening exercises three times a week.
Diet plays an important role in the treatment. Eating healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish, nuts, seeds, beans, and legumes will help keep you full and energised. Avoid sugary drinks, fried foods, and alcohol.
Lifestyle changes include getting enough restful sleep, limiting caffeine intake, avoiding stressful situations, keeping busy, exercising regularly, establishing social support networks, and managing stress.
If you are having difficulty coping or need help to deal with stress caused by financial problems, a loved one’s death, a divorce or an ongoing (chronic) medical condition, seek professional help. Your family doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, counsellor, nurse practitioner, or social worker may provide this.
How to receive help for issues with mental health
Early intervention, and getting help urgently, is key to combating mental illness, but where can you turn for support?
- Get in touch with your GP
You should initially see your doctor and discuss your symptoms, fears, and feelings if you are worried about your own mental health.
Speaking up and accepting help for personal issues can be very tough, but your doctor is here to support you. It might help you to bring family members or friends with you while speaking to your doctor.
Depending on the severity of your mental health issues, your GP will be able to advise you, help you decide what kind of care you need, and give you solutions like medical treatments or a referral to a mental health specialist or expert services.
- Therapy and counselling
Medication and talk therapy are typically used to treat mental illnesses. In contrast to psychotherapy, which is more long-term, counselling often focuses on specific difficulties, such as addiction or stress management.
Depending on how severe your mental health issues are, a psychiatrist may oversee your care and treatment.
By recommendation from your GP, the NHS provides psychotherapy in some locations, albeit there may be a significant waiting list.
You could choose to see a private psychiatrist, but you would be responsible for the cost.
- Social care
If you are given a mental illness diagnosis, it may indicate that you require social care. Your local authority can help you set up a needs assessment.
Numerous home care agencies provide a range of services to help people with mental health issues. If you feel you need extra help at home, having a carer come visit you, on a schedule you help plan, could benefit you greatly.
- Helping yourself
There are things you can do to try to help yourself if you’re having mental health issues.
Investigating your feelings can help you comprehend why you are experiencing them, which can aid in your recovery.
There are various self-help resources available online, including the NHS’ mental health and wellbeing site. You can access mental wellbeing guides and perform self-assessment tests.
- Mental health charities
Numerous charities in the UK provide counselling, group support, and emotional support to persons who are suffering from mental health conditions.
Mind is committed to empowering anyone dealing with mental health issues. They also have helpful health information and knowledge on how to assist others.
Rethink is committed to enhancing the lives of those who suffer from serious mental illness and those who are impacted by it. The nonprofit organisation provides services to keep people’s requirements from growing and to assist them to get the correct care.
What are 5 signs of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition that is characterised by extreme highs and lows in mood. It affects how you feel emotionally, physically, and mentally. There are different types of Bipolar Disorder, but they all share some common characteristics.
People who have bipolar disorder have periods of mania and depression. Mania is a period of abnormally elevated mood. During this phase, a person’s thoughts, behaviour energy level, and self-esteem can become very high. The manic episode ends when the person reaches a state of normalcy again. However, there is always a risk that there will be a relapse into another manic episode when having been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
People with bipolar disorder also experience episodes of depression. A depressive episode occurs when a person feels down, tired, unmotivated, and lacks interest in activities they used to enjoy. In contrast to bipolar mania, during a bipolar depressive episode, a person may not feel like doing anything at all.
Pay attention to warning signs. Addressing bipolar disorder symptoms early on can prevent episodes from getting worse. You may have identified a pattern to your bipolar episodes and what triggers them.
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, although it’s believed a number of things can trigger an episode.
The following are five signs that someone may be suffering from bipolar disorder:
- Extremely high or low moods. With added irritability, anger, or aggression
- Pains
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Issues with concentration, memory, or decision-making
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
How does bipolar disorder affect daily life?
Depression can make everyday tasks difficult. You may find yourself feeling sad, anxious, guilty, angry, hopeless, worthless, guilty, irritable, restless, agitated, tearful, or suicidal. These feelings can cause problems with work, school, relationships, and hobbies.
If you are struggling with daily tasks then you can look into and request carers. Someone who will come visit you and help you with anything you need.
Depression in Older Adults: What it is and how to get help.
Depression, although it can occur at any age, it is not a normal part of growing older, and it should never be taken lightly. Unfortunately, it often goes undiagnosed and untreated in older adults, and they may feel reluctant to seek help.
Their symptoms may be different or less obvious, such as:
- Memory difficulties or personality changes
- Physical aches or pain
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Sleeping issues – too much or too little
- Loss of interest in sex — not caused by a medical condition or medication
- Often wanting to stay at home, rather than going out to socialise or doing new things
- Suicidal thinking
- Feeling worthless
- Anger
- Poor performance or poor attendance at work
- Feeling misunderstood
- Extremely sensitive
- Excessive use of recreational drugs or alcohol
- Eating or sleeping too much
- Self-harm
- Loss of interest in normal activities
- Avoidance of social interaction.
- There is always help available if you are having suicidal thoughts.
You can always talk to someone, and if you need assistance right now, you can call the suicide hotline. 116 123
It’s crucial to realise that you don’t have to struggle through feeling bad on your own.
Helplines:
- Samaritans: 116 123 (24 hours)
- HOPELINEUK (for people under 35): 0800 068 4141 (9am-10pm weekdays, 2pm-10pm weekends and bank holidays)
- Campaign Against Living Miserably (for men): 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight every day)
- NHS urgent mental health helpline: Find your local NHS helpline for 24-hour advice and support (England only)
If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 for an ambulance immediately for urgent help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mental illnesses, usually called mental health disorders, are ailments that impact a person’s thoughts, feelings, behaviour, mood swings, and social interactions. While some mental health issues are genetic, others might be brought on by upsetting or traumatic experiences.
Numerous mental disorder warning signs and symptoms exist. However, they can at first be difficult to identify. They may also change based on your circumstances and the condition you have. Long-term anxiety, severe depression, manic depression, difficulty managing stress, difficulty understanding, suicidal thoughts, the conviction that loved ones are trying to harm you, paranoia, and hallucinations are all indications of a mental disorder.
It’s typical to experience mental health issues. Up to 25% of people are predicted to experience this at some point throughout their lives. Some people will experience more serious issues than others, but it’s crucial to get help as soon as you sense a problem to find your treatment options and hasten the healing process.
Depression, schizophrenia, social anxiety, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders are examples of common mental illnesses. When your capacity to function is compromised by the symptoms, concerns about your mental health turn into an illness.
It might be challenging to discuss personal issues and accept help, but you should first see your GP to determine what kind of support you need from someone who can offer guidance and solutions. Additionally, there are a lot of helplines and charities that support mental health that you can contact if you need someone to talk to.
