Mental illness is a touchy subject for many individuals. Multiple questions are asked by an individual diagnosed with a mental illness, as well as their family and friends. When do symptoms and warning signs of mental illness show up? How old can a person be before signs of mental illness show up? What type of behavior can you expect from a child, adolescent, or adult experiencing symptoms of mental illness? Will each show different signs of mental illness based on their age and gender? These are just a few questions that even individuals working in the medical field have often wondered about as well.

 The minority of individuals who work in the mental health field usually follow the guidelines for a diagnosis that are outlined in the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.” A century ago, doctors were slow to diagnose a child or an adolescent with a mental illness. They even question that of an adult with a mental illness. Why? Mental illness is still an unknown area for most individuals to approach and talk about. Why were doctors hesitant to label an individual with a mental illness diagnosis? Mainly because once an individual is diagnosed and labeled with a mental illness, regardless of age, it often stays with them for the rest of their life.

The problem is learning to understand the behavior of any individual, regardless of age, within their normal range, before deciding on their mental health and well-being. One would also have to ask what has been studied outside of their normal range of behavior before a decision is made about their mental health. Many mental illnesses have their own symptoms, but several share common symptoms and warning signs.

According to the website, Imperial Calcasieu Human Services Authority, “Trying to tell the difference between what expected behaviors are and what might be the sign of mental illness is not always easy. “According to NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “These are just a few signs and symptoms of mental illness listed below that can be associated with adults and adolescents.”

Agitation / Anxiety.

Avoiding or having difficulties relating to loved ones, friends, co-workers, and other people in society.

Confusion, disbelief, or turmoil.

Difficulties conducting their daily personal grooming habits, such as bathing, washing their hair, brushing their teeth, changing into clean clothes, or even holding down a job.

Distorted or additional mood swings.

Failure to maintain their health by refusing to seek medical care when necessary.

Inability to have or continue a normal intimate relationship.

Loss of touch with reality—the inability to understand what is real and what is not real.

Sleepiness/insomnia.

Suicidal, threatening self-harm, or others.

Violent or a display of unmanageable behaviors for no known reason.

Engaging in substance abuse by seeking illegal street drugs, alcohol, or the overuse of prescription narcotic drugs.

There are many more different symptoms and warning signs of mental illness known to have been displayed throughout the century in adults and adolescents. These were just a few common ones displayed. Everyone diagnosed with a mental illness is different in the degree of symptoms. According to NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “When it comes to mental illness in children under the age of thirteen, it is more difficult to make a diagnosis. Below is a list of several ways in which children in this age range have several ways of displaying abnormal behavior outside of their regular, normal characteristics.”

Anxiety.

Bedwetting.

Changes in their grades.

Disobedience towards parents, teachers, and other adults.

Destructive behaviors.

Fighting in school.

Lack of interest in developing friends, engaging in sports, or any other activities.

Loss of appetite.

Nervousness.

Overeating.

Repeated nightmares.

Suicidal, threatening self-harm, or others.

Temper tantrums.

Again, these are just a few of the signs and symptoms of mental illness associated with children under the age of thirteen. Often at this age, it is their way of trying to tell an adult something is wrong. Children in this age range usually are afraid to talk to anyone, including their parents, for fear of punishment. Mental illness is like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and some forms of cancer. It can be caused by many different things. No one is certain as to “why” some people live all their lives and do not suffer from mental illness, while others do.

Scientists have yet to develop a test that can detect and diagnose the early stages of mental illness in any individual, as they have helped to do so for the following diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and some forms of cancer. Learn to reach out for help as soon as possible for yourself, a loved one, a friend, or anyone in need of help. If you are having problems or suspect someone else may have problems with mental illness, do not wait to seek help. Early detection and diagnosis are especially important to help stabilize mental illness symptoms before the condition worsens.

Once you or someone you care about is diagnosed, it is especially important to learn all that you can about that type of mental illness. Find out the necessary steps in seeking treatment. According to the (NAMI), which is the abbreviation for the National Alliance of Mental Illness website, “Getting a diagnosis is just the first step. Knowing your own preferences and goals is also important. Treatment for mental illness varies by diagnosis and person. There is no ‘one size fits all’ treatment. Treatment options can include medication, counseling (therapy), social support, and education.”

References:

1.American Psychiatric Association. https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm

2.National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help

3. American Academy of Child &Adolescent Psychiatry.https://www.aacap.org

4.Hearts 4 Mind. https://www.hearts4minds.org/updates/how-to-recognize-the-signs

Knowing the Symptoms and Warning Signs of Mental Illness!

Mental illness is a touchy subject for many individuals. Multiple questions are asked by an individual diagnosed with a mental illness, as well as their family and friends. When do symptoms and warning signs of mental illness show up?