Understanding Mental Health
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Mental illness is a general term for a group of illnesses that may include symptoms that can affect a person’s thinking, perceptions, mood or behavior. Mental illness can make it difficult for someone to cope with work, relationships and other demands. The relationship between stress and mental illness is complex, but it is known that stress can worsen an episode of mental illness. Most people can manage their mental illness with medication, counselling or both.
Know the Warning Signs
Trying to tell the difference between what expected behaviors are and what might be the signs of a mental illness isn't always easy. 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. Sometimes symptoms of a mental health disorder appear as physical problems, such as stomach pain, back pain, headaches, or other unexplained aches and pains. Each illness has its own symptoms, but here are common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents.
1. Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
2. Withdrawal from friends and activities
3. Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping
4. An intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance
5. Difficulties understanding or relating to other people
6. Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations
Receiving A Diagnosis
Knowing warning signs can help let you know if you need to speak to a professional. For many people, getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step in a treatment plan.
Where To Get Help
Where To Get Help
Learning all you can about mental health is an important first step. If you have any signs or symptoms of a mental illness, see your primary care provider or a mental health professional. Most mental illnesses don't improve on their own, and if untreated, a mental illness may get worse over time and cause serious problems.
Finding Treatment
There’s no “one size fits all” treatment. Treatment options can include medication, counseling (therapy), social support, and education. Suicidal thoughts and behavior are common with some mental illnesses. If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, get help right away.
Helping A Loved One
If your loved one shows signs of mental illness, have an open and honest discussion with him or her about your concerns. You may not be able to force someone to get professional care, but you can offer encouragement and support. You can also help your loved one find a qualified mental health professional and make an appointment. You may even be able to go along to the appointment.
Finding Treatment
There’s no “one size fits all” treatment. Treatment options can include medication, counseling (therapy), social support, and education. Suicidal thoughts and behavior are common with some mental illnesses. If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, get help right away.
Helping A Loved One
If your loved one shows signs of mental illness, have an open and honest discussion with him or her about your concerns. You may not be able to force someone to get professional care, but you can offer encouragement and support. You can also help your loved one find a qualified mental health professional and make an appointment. You may even be able to go along to the appointment.
If your loved one has done self-harm or is considering doing so, take the person to the hospital or call for emergency help.
To learn more about helping a loved one, click here.
Remember that you are not alone.
Suicidal thinking doesn't get better — so get help. To learn more about resources, click here.