What Are Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders?
Recognizing signs of mental health disorders is an important step in beginning to search for treatment and support options. Mental health conditions can be identified by how they affect your physical self, behaviors, and overall mental well-being. It is common to experience stress and occasional mood changes. However, recurring and intense symptoms may indicate a mental health disorder.
Your symptoms can vary depending on the specific disorder and often involve a combination of emotional distress and behavioral changes. They may include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or extreme irritability. You may also experience overwhelming anxiety or excessive worry about things that are not a real threat. Emotional symptoms can also include feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or disconnecting from reality.
Other key signs of mental health disorders are behavioral changes. You may begin to avoid social interactions, lose interest in activities you enjoy, or struggle to maintain relationships. More noticeable changes in behavior may include angry outbursts and impulsively engaging in substance abuse. You may also find it difficult to concentrate on daily tasks and make decisions. A change in physical patterns may be a sign of a mental health disorder—reduced appetite and disruptions in sleep, such as insomnia or oversleeping. You may also experience fatigue, frequent headaches, or digestive issues unrelated to a physical illness.
When these signs persist or interfere with daily life, it is time to seek professional assistance. If you’re wondering how to help someone with a mental health disorder or wish to explore therapeutic care for yourself, contact us.