Did you know that fifty percent of mental illness begins at age fourteen? Did you also know that three quarters begin by age twenty four?
So when you think about everyone in the entire world, that is an extreme amount of people struggling with mental illness.
I am writing this blog while the world is in the coronavirus pandemic, as millions of people are battling a mental illness.
Can you guess how many people, with mental illnesses, are not getting the help they need? Over 50%. Leaving more than 27 million people without healthcare.
Catching mental illness early is extremely important and can help you in the long run.
Signs and symptoms
Sleep and appetite changes- Dramatic sleep and appetite changes or decline in personal care.
Mood changes- Fast and dramatic shifts in emotions or a feeling of depression.
Withdrawal- Recent social withdrawal and loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed.
Drop in functioning- An unusual drop in functioning, at work, at school, at social gatherings, such as quitting sports, failing in school or difficulty performing familiar tasks.
Problems thinking- Problems with concentration, memory or logical thought and speech that are hard to explain.
Increased sensitivity- Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smell and touch; avoidance of over-stimulating situations.
Apathy- Loss of initiative or desire to participate in any activity.
Feeling disconnected- A vague feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one's understanding; a sense of unreality.
Illogical thinking- Unusual or exaggerated beliefs about personal powers to understand meanings or influence events; illogical or “magical” thinking typical of childhood in an adult.
Nervousness- Fear or suspiciousness of others or a strong nervous feeling.
Unusual behavior- odd, uncharacteristic, peculiar behavior.
A thing to keep in mind is that these symptoms cannot fully indicate a mental illness, but can be a warning sign oftentimes.
Getting help
Have an evaluation by a mental health or other health care professor.
Learn about mental illness, including signs and symptoms.
Receive supportive counseling about daily life and strategies for stress management.
Be monitored closely for conditions requiring intensive care.
So, why is it important to catch mental illness warning signs early? The short answer is: it can reduce your stress and make your recovery a bit easier.
Do not be afraid to call out for help, this is something that everyone goes through.
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