How Do You Know if
You Are Mentally Unwell?

Knowing the Early Signs of Mental Illness Can Help Ensure Prompt Treatment

For most people, mental conditions rarely develop out of the blue. They typically take considerable time to manifest, with friends, family members, teachers and other people close to afflicted individuals recognizing the signs, even if they do not see them themselves. Outward signs may include social or emotional withdrawal, changes in school or work performance, mood changes and unusual behaviour.

Though it may take more time for an individual to notice changes to him or herself, eventually, most people do. For many people afflicted with mental health concerns, they may notice small changes at first. Over time, though, they may recognize that their thought patterns, behaviours or feelings are not normal. This self-awareness is integral to a person’s health outcomes and long-term quality of life.

Knowing the warning signs of mental illness and taking swift action can help ensure prompt and appropriate treatment. With early intervention, most people can minimize the severity of their conditions, regardless of how severe, and, along with it, the interruptions such conditions may have on their quality of life and everyday functioning. For some people, prompt treatment may help to prevent the development of a major mental illness altogether.

Signs and Symptoms of Mental Illness

The symptoms of mental illness differ for everyone and depend largely on the illness in question. That said, most mental health professionals encourage individuals to seek help when several of the following occur at once, or when one or several symptoms persist for a prolonged period of time:

• Social or emotional withdrawal, or loss of interest in activities that one once previously enjoyed
• Dramatic changes in sleep, appetite or personal care
• Mood changes, such as rapid or dramatic fluctuations in emotions, more depressed feelings or intense irritability
• Decrease in functioning, such as poor performance at work, lack of attendance at school, decreased participation in extracurricular activities and difficulty performing familiar tasks
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering familiar information, forming logical thoughts or speaking in a coherent manner
• Feelings of disconnectedness from either oneself, one’s surroundings, or one’s friends or loved ones; a sense of unreality
• Heightened sensitivity to external stimuli, such as sounds, smells, sights or textures
• Avoidance of certain external stimuli, such as sounds, smells, sights or textures
• Illogical thinking, such as exaggerated or atypical beliefs about one’s own powers to influence events or understand meaning; illogical or “magical” beliefs that are typical of children in adults
• Apathy toward, loss of desire or loss of initiatives to participate in most activities
• Odd or uncharacteristic behaviours
• Nervousness, suspiciousness or fear of others
• Increased absenteeism at work or school, worsening performance at either/or, and difficulties maintaining healthy relationships with significant others, loved ones, peers or co-workers

For some people, one or more of these symptoms may be accompanied by physical problems. Those may include but are not limited to upset stomach, back pain, abdominal pain, headaches, and other aches and pains.

At What Age Does Mental Illness Typically Appear?

Mental health conditions can develop at any point during a person’s life. That said, most people who live with mental illness state that they first developed symptoms when they were young. Per the statistics, approximately 50% of individuals affected by mental health issues developed their first symptoms by age 14. As many as three-quarter of the remaining individuals first developed their conditions by the age of 24. If you or a loved one is within this age range, and if you or a loved one shows one or more of these signs or symptoms, consult with your doctor at the very least regarding possible mental health concerns.

Improving Your Mental Health At Home

If your symptoms are minimal, and if they are infrequent, your doctor may recommend healthy lifestyle changes to improve your mood, outlook and overall mental health. Some common mental health-boosting strategies you may wish to try are as follows:

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet that is rich in whole and natural foods and devoid of processed and sugary foods
• Strive to get between 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, avoiding screen time at least 30 minutes before bed
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes, five days a week
• Drink plenty of water to prevent hydration
• Practice mindfulness, and make meditation a part of your routine
• Talk to someone you trust
• Avoid drinking in excess, and do not drink for the sake of relaxation

When To See a Doctor

If changing your lifestyle habits for the better does not improve your mental well-being, do not be afraid to seek help from a professional. Your first point of contact is your primary care provider, who will ask you a series of questions to guide you in the right direction. Some questions your provider may ask are as follows:

• What is your medical history?
• What are your current thoughts, concerns or feelings?
• Do you have any physical symptoms?
• Do you currently use drugs or alcohol?
• How healthy are your personal and professional relationships?
• What types, if any, routines do you have?

Based on your answers, your doctor will advise you of what steps to take next, including possible treatment options.

If you do not feel quite right, do not let your feelings fester. Reach out to a trusted friend or loved one with your concerns or, if you feel you cannot do that, talk to your doctor about your options.