What are some warning signs of mental illness?

Mental illness is a broad spectrum of disorders and varies in presentation based on each person and their specific condition. Symptoms of mental illness range from delusions and loss of contact with reality to negative self talk or pessimism.

It is important to note, when looking for “signs of mental illness” we must be able to distinguish whether theses “signs” are really the presence of a mental health issue or if the person is experiencing situational or momentary distress.

Many of the signs we typically associate with mental illness are also present in people who do not have mental illness. Some symptoms of mental illness are also present in healthy people and can be considered a normal reaction to a distressing situation. However, the experience of mental illness is distinctly different from the experience of people who do not have mental illness.

Mental illness is often a combination of symptoms which present together and symptoms of a mental health condition rarely occur in isolation. Mental health disorders are often diagnosed and classified by a group of specific symptom that happen together or within the same period of time. Identifying warning signs of mental illness can be difficult if you are not familiar with the full spectrum of mental health conditions or the way in which someone copes with their problems influences another’s ability to recognize warning signs of a mental illness.

The simple answer, warning signs of mental illness may vary.

Although, there are common warning signs present in many mental health disorders that can be indicative of the onset of major mental illness. The following warning signs may be symptoms of mental illness in it's prodromal phase: 

*Prodromal phases of mental illness are periods of time when an individual may experience less severe of subclinical symptoms or a slight change in functioning. 

1. Depressed Mood

Depression is often a precursor or prodromal symptom to many mental health disorders, including Schizophrenia. A depressed mood is more than just sadness and people experiencing depression are often able identify a difference in the two feelings. Most people experiencing depression will also report loss of energy, disinterest in once pleasurable activities, poor motivation, or thoughts of suicide.

2. Duration of Symptoms

Many mood and psychological disorder are characterized by length of time a person has been affected by symptoms. Persistent, ongoing, or reoccurring symptoms and disclosure may indicate that an individual is experiencing mental illness.

3.  Loss of Functioning

People experiencing mental illness often find that their symptoms impact day to day functioning, they are unable to do things they once were able to do or have become unable to perform “regular” tasks. Loss of functioning can include difficulty with personal care or hygiene, increased need for assistance with daily tasks, or withdrawing from commitments and plans.

4. Substance Abuse

While the use alcohol use or narcotics in and of itself is not a mental illness, substance misuse is often a sign of an underlying problem including mental illness. Substance abuse includes the excessive and uncontrollable use of alcohol or drugs to an extent which negatively impacts aspects of daily life or social functioning.

5.Thoughts of suicide

Thoughts of suicide and self injury or previous attempts in dangerous of lethal self-Injury is a serious mental health issue and is very commonly a sign of mental illness. If you experience thoughts of suicide it is imperative to seek a doctor or consultation with a mental health professional.

Ultimately “mental illness” is broad and there are many different symptoms of mental illness which can make it difficult to recognize warning signs in others. In addition the signs of mental illness are complex and the presentation of signs can differ based on the age, sex, or identity of a person. If you believe that you are someone you love may be demonstrating signs of mental illness it is imperative to be evaluated by a doctor or mental health professional.

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Raquel Buchanan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Palm Springs, Ca. Raquel offers in person and virtual sessions to individuals, families, teens, and children. She specializes in childhood trauma and adversity. For more information please visit www.TherapywithRaquel.com