One in five adults experiences mental health issues in any given year. Thus it is highly likely that most of us know someone who struggles with such concerns. For some, the problems may be relatively minor, but for others, they can contribute to the onset of more serious long-term conditions such as major depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.
Mental health affects thought processes, relationships, productivity, and the ability to adapt to changes in circumstances or cope with adversity.
Approximately one-half of chronic mental illnesses begin by the age of 14 and three-quarters by age 24. Unfortunately, long delays—sometimes decades—often occur between the time symptoms first appear and when people get help.
Since May is Mental Health Month, this is an opportune time to learn to recognize early symptoms of mental illness and the importance of talking about concerns with a doctor or mental health professional. Early identification and treatment can make a big difference for successful management of a condition.
For example, major depression is a mood disorder that is more serious than “feeling blue” or temporary sadness. Some people may experience it only once, but more than half go through at least one additional episode in their lifetime. Be alert to any combinations of the following symptoms:
• Depressed mood (sadness)
• Poor concentration
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Disturbance of appetite
• Feelings of guilt
• Thoughts of suicide
Bipolar disorder involves cycles of both depression and mania. It is different from the “ups and downs” that most people experience, consisting of dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and the ability to think clearly. Symptoms are not the same in everyone; some people may experience intense “highs,” while others primarily experience depression. Mania generally involves combinations of the following symptoms:
• Euphoria
• Surges of energy
• Reduced need for sleep
• Grandiosity
• Talkativeness
• Extreme irritability
• Agitation
• Pleasure-seeking
• Increased risk-taking behavior
Schizophrenia is a different type of mental illness but can exhibit some characteristics of mood disorders. It affects a person’s ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions, and relate to other people. Untreated, it also may include psychos—a loss of contact with reality. Symptoms include:
• Difficulty with memory
• Difficulty in organizing thoughts
• Lack of content in speech
• Emotional flatness
• Inability to start or follow through with activities
• Inability to experience pleasure
• Delusions
• Hallucinations
Other types of mental illness include attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which can occur in adults as well as children, anxiety disorders (including posttraumatic stress disorder), and borderline personality disorder.
Individuals experiencing symptoms of mental illness should see a doctor to discuss symptoms and to have potentially related physical conditions assessed. The next step may be referral to a mental health specialist. A range of treatment options exists. Education and connecting with others who have walked the same path or are facing similar issues also can play an important role in a person’s recovery.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides information through its website www.nami.org and HelpLine 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). With affiliates in hundreds of communities nationwide, NAMI offers free education classes and support groups to individuals and families affected by mental illness.
NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI of Marion and Crawford Counties and its dedicated volunteer members and leaders work to raise awareness and provide essential education, advocacy, and support group programs for people in our community living with mental illness and their loved ones. For information on local classes and support groups, call (740) 375-0796.
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