Signs that a person might have or be developing a mental illness include:
- bizarre or unusual thinking
- confusion and disorientation
- destructive or high-risk behaviour
- hallucinations (you can see, hear, feel or taste something that is not actually there)
- problems with functioning in your work or social life
- restless, agitated and disorganised behaviour or marked decrease in activity
- significant changes of mood (up or down)
- significant impairment in self-care
- suicidal thoughts or acts of self-harm
- delusions (false beliefs, you strongly feel something is real, but it is not).
Experiencing one or two of these symptoms does not necessarily mean there is a mental illness but a few occurring together requires the attention of a healthcare professional, especially if the symptoms are affecting the person’s study, work or relationships.
If left untreated, these early mental illness symptoms may progress to be more serious or lead to a psychotic episode. Psychotic episodes develop very gradually.
People of all sexes, ages, genders, races, and socioeconomic groups can suffer from mental health disorders. Many factors can trigger illness, and illnesses can range from mild to severe. In general, people with mental disorders find it difficult to cope with everyday life because of their altered thinking, moods, or behaviors.
People of all sexes, ages, genders, races, and socioeconomic groups can suffer from mental health disorders. Many factors can trigger illness, and illnesses can range from mild to severe. In general, people with mental disorders find it difficult to cope with everyday life because of their altered thinking, moods, or behaviors.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that more than half of all people will be diagnosed with a mental illness at some point in their life. Though there are many different mental disorders, some are more common than others. This article examines ten of the most common mental illnesses among American adults.