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Published On: January 31, 2018|Categories: Mental Health|

While there is more awareness surrounding mental illness than ever before, it can still be difficult to identify symptoms within yourself or loved ones. Here at High Focus Centers, we’re focused on not only helping those with mental health issues and disorders, but on educating them so that they can better help themselves. Here are a few warning signs of psychiatric illness to be aware of in adults.

Most Common Symptoms and Warning Signs

One of the first things to understand when it comes to mental illness is that it’s best not to be alarmed when one shows just a single sign or symptom. It’s also worth noting that a medical condition or substance use can trigger such symptoms, meaning that the person might revert back to her or his normal behavior after seeking treatment.

Some of the most prevalent warning signs attributed to mental illness in adults include:

  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Confusion
  • Chronic depression
  • A variety of unexplained physical problems
  • Uncharacteristic withdrawal from social situations
  • Inability to deal with everyday issues and activities
  • Feelings of extreme happiness that suddenly dissolve to feelings of extreme sadness
  • Dramatic and sudden shifts in sleeping and/or eating habits
  • Delusions
  • Extreme anger
  • Hallucinations

Addressing Such Symptoms

Anyone who shows signs of suffering from mental illness should know that they can take steps to start treatment to regain control of their life. One of the first and most important things to do is to accept what’s happening and be honest with yourself about it. Denial and ignoring signs of mental illness usually only lead to the situation becoming worse.

Seeking professional treatment is also a good idea. Mental health experts have the experience and education needed to truly help their patients and guide them through the treatment process. While receiving treatment, it’s best to be open and honest about what you are feeling. Being forthright about what you are thinking and feeling is a crucial component of an effective treatment experience.

Those who suffer from mental illness should also make sure they ask for help outside of a professional setting. Sharing your illness with friends and family might be uncomfortable at first, but they are very likely to be understanding. Friends and family can provide you with support for those times when the weight of your mental illness is more than you can bear on your own.

If you have a friend or family member suffering from mental illness, you need to be sure to practice self-care while you act as a support unit. Acting as a mental caregiver can be more exhausting than you realize, and you can quickly become burnt out, especially if you already have a full plate. Take out time for yourself to recharge your batteries.

Are you worried that you or a loved one might have an undiagnosed mental illness? Get in touch with a representative at High Focus Centers today and get the help you need. Or learn more about common mental health and substance use disorders in our online Education Center.

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