Mental illness affects millions of people around the globe. Early interventions such as psychotherapy or mental health rehab can often lead to improved outcomes and a higher quality of life. Unfortunately, those with mental illness often feel uncomfortable talking about it or seeking help. It therefore becomes crucial for those around them to recognize the signs of mental illness and help them receive the help they need.
Unlike physical illnesses that often have obvious symptoms, mental health struggles tend to be much harder to detect. If you aren’t familiar with the early warning signs of mental illness, you’re likely to completely overlook them. To become a better advocate for the people you love, here are seven early indications of mental health struggles to watch out for.
1. Social Withdrawal
Social withdrawal is a very common warning sign of mental illness. It’s one of the first things people do when they’re feeling anxious or depressed. They may become overly stressed at big parties or other situations involving large groups of people. They may also avoid smaller events that they used to enjoy with family and friends.
Try not to get offended when someone you love suddenly avoids interacting with you or family members. Instead, recognize that they may be experiencing mental health struggles that they’re too embarrassed or ashamed to talk about. Whenever possible, try to be there for them and let them know they can confide in you if they choose to. If they become so withdrawn that you worry about their safety, help them get checked into a rehab for depression.
2. Irritability
If your friend or family member seems uncharacteristically irritable, they could be exhibiting signs of mental health struggles. Irritability, aggression, and frequent mood swings are common in the early stages of mental illness.
A person with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues may overreact in situations that don’t warrant an aggressive response. They may also cycle between periods of emotional highs and lows that don’t make sense to you as an outside observer. If symptoms persist or worsen, your friend might benefit from checking into an anxiety and depression treatment center.
3. Changes in Sleep Patterns
Mental health and sleep patterns are more closely related than most people realize. Insomnia, excessive sleep, and other unusual sleep patterns are commonly associated with stage 1 mental illness. People with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and ADHD often struggle to get adequate sleep.
Of course, poor sleep by itself isn’t always an indicator of poor mental health. However, when combined with other symptoms in this list, it could be an early warning sign of mental health struggles. If you know someone with changes in sleep patterns and suspect poor mental health, suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Also known as talk therapy, CBT is a type of mental health treatment that may improve sleep by reframing thought patterns.
4. Weight Fluctuations
People in the beginning stages of mental illness may experience unusual weight fluctuations. Some may gain weight because they tend to self-medicate with fattening comfort foods. Others may lose weight because they’re too anxious or nauseous to feel hungry. If a loved one seems to bounce back and forth between different weights or experiences a dramatic change in weight, there may be something wrong.
Rapid weight loss is also a common indication of substance abuse. People who are depressed or anxious may turn to illicit substances to help them feel better. This often results in addiction and self-destructive behaviors. It’s crucial to help a loved one get early inpatient treatment for substance abuse if they’re addicted to harmful substances.
5. Gastrointestinal Problems
The first symptoms of mental health disorders often manifest in physical ways. For example, someone who’s struggling with depression may experience chronic headaches or muscle pain. People with anxiety often struggle with seemingly mysterious gastrointestinal issues.
Untreated anxiety can significantly impact the health of the gastrointestinal tract. It commonly causes issues such as diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation, and heartburn. It may also lead to frequent nausea and vomiting. Managing anxiety through therapy could cause physical health symptoms to subside.
6. Low Energy Levels
Chronic fatigue is yet another early indication of mental health problems. Living with mental illness requires significant energy and can leave the impacted person feeling persistently drained. Often, their lack of energy and enthusiasm is mistaken for laziness. They may frequently arrive late to work or call in sick when they’re not.
It’s important to show empathy to people who have low energy levels due to depression or other mental health challenges. With professional help, their energy and zest for life will likely return and restore their desire to succeed.
7. Loss of Interest
Have you noticed a friend or family member suddenly avoiding hobbies and activities they used to enjoy? Their loss of interest might be an early sign of mental illness. They may prefer to take a nap or lounge around the house instead of engaging in activities that used to bring them happiness.
Your loved one’s lack of interest may be more than “just a phase” or a “bad day.” It could be a subtle sign that they need professional help. Your support and encouragement may be just the push they need to seek early intervention.
Conclusion
Mental illness can be tricky to recognize, especially if you aren’t familiar with the symptoms. Learn these early signs of mental health challenges and prepare to help your loved one seek the help they need. If you aren’t sure how to intervene, talk to a counselor or therapist. They can give you suggestions for how to get your loved one help before their symptoms worsen.
