7 Subtle Signs Of Mental Illness You Need To Watch Out For

Of all the warning signs to ignore, those of mental illness shouldn’t be one of them. From bipolar, anxiety disorders, depression, to schizophrenia and anorexia; these are various types of mental illnesses, each portraying similar developing warning signs that can be detected early.

“Fifty percent of mental illness begins by age 14, and three-quarters begin by age 24”. Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, almost anyone can experience mental illness.

Mental illnesses can disrupt your thinking ability, relationships both at home and work, making life miserable in general for  victims.

Detecting these warning signs early and seeking professional help can greatly help to prevent the illness from becoming severe and out of control.

Below are 7  subtle warning signs of mental illness you need to pay attention to and watch out for.

Extreme Mood Swings

We all experience mild mood changes now and then. However, extreme mood swings leading to emotional outbursts or unusual violent acts might be a tell-tale sign of a mental illness.

Sleeping Disorder

Consistent lack of sleep or excess of it is a grave warning sign that something’s not quite right, and as well has been revealed to be one of the early signs of mental health disorder.

Disconnection From Friends And Family

Beware and take further notes when you notice yourself or a loved one withdrawing from social activities, especially if it’s not who they are from the onset.

This could be that they’re losing interests in life which is one of the warning symptoms of a mental illness

Suicidal Thoughts

Oftentimes, when we hear or see people threaten to take their lives, we consider it a bluff and shrug it off – only to find out later that they actually go through with it. How sad!

And if you’re the one presently going through a difficult phase in your life and are ruminating about taking your life so you can ‘just end it’; please do consider seeing a mental professional.

It could be a sign that you’ve got a bigger underlying issue such as mental illness.

Excessive Anxiety 

While it’s completely normal to get anxious for that public speech or upcoming exam, there might be a need to seek help when it becomes severe, as well as the little things especially when if it’s starting to interfere with and affect your everyday activities.

Drug Abuse

If a friend or loved one suddenly takes up the habit of alcohol or other drugs indulgence attitude as a means of ‘coping’; you need to watch out as it might be an early sign of serious mental illness.

Eating Disorder

Maybe once in a while, appetite loss poses no harm. However, when this act becomes so consistent that it results in fluctuation in either weight loss or gain, then at that stage there’s need to seek medical attention.

 

In conclusion, if only you could pay attention to details, you’d realize that mental illnesses don’t surface overnight.

The problem is, most people tend to overlook the little things until it becomes a serious issue and gets out of hand.

Hence, when you notice these warning signs in friends, family members, or even yourself, consider seeking medical help from mental professionals either for yourself or a loved one as soon as possible.