How can I tell if someone I know has a mental
illness?
The outward signs of a mental illness are often
behavioral, but different disorders have different symptoms and to
varying degrees. Following are some general symptoms that might
suggest a mental disorder.
In adults:
- Confused thinking
- Long-lasting sadness or irritability
- Extreme highs and lows in mood
- Excessive fear, worrying, or anxiousness
- Social withdrawal
- Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Strong feelings of anger
- Delusions or hallucinations
- Decreasing ability to cope with daily problems and
activities
- Thoughts or talk of suicide
- Denial of obvious problems
- Multiple unexplained physical ailments
- Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol
In children and pre-adolescents:
- Prolonged negative mood
- Changes in school performance
- Poor grades despite strong efforts
- Excessive worrying or anxiety
- Hyperactivity
- Fear of weight gain
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Persistent nightmares
- Persistent disobedience or aggressive behavior
- Frequent temper tantrums or outbursts of anger