Warning Signs of Mental Illness

Jutta Curatolo Warning
Mental illness remains one of the most commonly misunderstood fields, and while most people believe it to be a rare condition, experts estimate that 54 million people in the United States have a mental illness alone. Meanwhile, on a global level, an estimated one billion people suffer from either substance abuse or mental illness. What warning signs can a person look for to spot it in individuals? Some of the warning signs include:

  • Suicidal thinking
  • Social isolation
  • Substance abuse
  • Intensely irrational fears
  • Prolonged negative moods
  • Feelings of harsh and uncontrollable anger
  • Confusion

Individuals who display one of these warning signs could potentially have a mental illness. Under these circumstances, following up with a mental health professional could be one of the best decisions that a person ever made.

Speaking with a Professional

An individual who has one or two of the warning signs may not necessarily have a mental illness. People must see a professional to receive a diagnosis because this will help them to form a better picture of whether or not they have a mental illness. Further evaluation from a professional will let them know if they have it. When people have a mental illness, they can struggle to function in everyday society. It can affect their work, how they study and what they do to relate to other people. Someone who has suicidal thought patterns should speak with a professional immediately to receive the necessary help.

Different Illnesses with Different Symptoms

Every illness will have different symptoms, but there are some common signs in people. How does a person receive help? First, they reach out to their insurance provider to see if they can get coverage for it. Individuals learning everything that they can about mental health is one of the most important first steps.

People who look at the warning signs can better understand if a professional will have the ability to help them. Getting an accurate diagnosis will be one of the first steps on the road to better health. Speaking with a qualified professional who knows how to spot the warning signs of mental illness will lead to the best results. An individual understanding their own plans for the future will have the best results because every person will be different.