Written by Jennifer Cox LCPC

Mental Health Awareness month is coming to an end – This blog covers signs and symptoms of mental illness.

Mental health awareness is important to discuss because without the awareness, one might not take forth the effort to prioritize their mental health. In the end, mental illness can develop over time.

It is important to note that signs and symptoms can vary widely depending on the specific mental illness and individual.

Each illness has its own symptoms, but common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents can include the following:

• Excessive worrying or fear
• Feeling excessively sad 
• Problems concentrating
• Extreme mood changes
• Irritability or anger
• Avoidance / Withdrawn 
• Significant changes in sleeping habits
• Significant changes in eating habits
• Changes in sex drive
• Difficulty perceiving reality (delusions or hallucinations)
• Overuse of substances like alcohol or drugs
• Multiple physical ailments without obvious causes (such as headaches or stomach aches)
• Thinking about suicide
• Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress

 

Mental health conditions can also begin to develop in young children. Because they’re still learning how to identify and talk about thoughts and emotions, their most obvious symptoms are behavioral. Symptoms in children may include the following:

• Changes in school performance
• Excessive worry or anxiety, for instance avoiding bed or school
• Hyperactive behavior
• Frequent nightmares
• Frequent temper tantrums

 

It is okay to prioritize your well-being and seek help when needed. Let’s continue to raise awareness, support each other, and promote a culture of understanding and acceptance when it comes to mental health.

By working together, we can create a world where mental health is valued, and all individuals have access to the care and resources they deserve.

 

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