Early Signs of a Mental Health Condition

Common Symptoms of Mental Illness

When someone has a major mental illness like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, there are normally early warning signs and changes in mood or behavior. If these changes are severe and interfere with your day-to-day functioning, they could be signs of a mental health condition.

There are many types of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, and personality disorders. While every mental illness is different, there are some common hallmark symptoms between many of them:

• A decrease in energy
• Social isolation and withdrawal
• A loss of interest in normal activities
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Inability to focus or concentrate
• More anxious than normal
• Mood swings (extreme highs or lows)
• A decline in personal hygiene or grooming
• Irritability or anger
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Changes in eating habits
• Hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren’t there)
• Delusions (believing things that aren’t based in reality)
• Changes in sex drive
• Thinking about suicide or self-harm

Sometimes, mental health issues present in the form of unexplained physical ailments, such as fatigue, frequent headaches, or gastrointestinal issues.

Identifying early warning signs of mental disorders and getting appropriate support is important as it might improve a person’s prognosis.

Are Mental Health Conditions More Common in Certain Populations?

Mental health conditions are quite common, with approximately 22% of all adults in the United States having a mental disorder of some kind.

While mental disorders can affect people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds, some populations have a higher prevalence, with data showing:

• The prevalence of mental illness is highest among adults who report two or more races. Studies suggest that this high rate is due to the increase (275%) in the prevalence of people in the United States who are multiracial.
• The second highest rate of mental illness is reported among American Indian and Alaska Native populations. This is linked to historical intergenerational trauma prevalent in this population.
• People with lower socioeconomic status (SES) have higher rates of psychiatric hospitalization and mental illness in general. Research indicates that this is due to the greater levels of stress that these individuals experience.
• More females than males are diagnosed with mental health issues. Females are also more likely to receive mental health treatment compared to males.Men are less likely to seek mental health treatment due to social and cultural stigma.

Signs of Mental Illness in Children

Identifying mental health problems in adolescents is vital. Globally, one out of seven adolescents aged 10–19 experiences a mental health disorder.

When a child or teen has a mental illness, they may have many of the same early signs of mental illness as adults. However, some warning signs are seen more often in kids and teens:

• Major changes in academic performance
• Having difficulty with concentration or learning
• Temper tantrums
• Changes in sleep habits
• Changes in weight or appetite
• Moodiness or excessive anger
• Physical complaints (stomachaches, etc.) with no identifiable cause
• Social withdrawal or spending a lot of time alone
• Excessive worry or fear
• Extreme preoccupation with weight or dieting
• A lack of interest in things they used to enjoy
• Using substances such as alcohol or marijuana
• Risky, unsafe behaviors, such as physical altercations
• Engaging in self-harming behaviors, such as cutting their skin

Not all of the above behaviors or symptoms will be present in all children. The exact symptoms also depend on what mental health condition the child or teen is experiencing.

Warning Signs of Suicide and Suicidal Ideation

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death for adults and the fourth leading cause of death among older adolescents and teens (15–19 years) in the United States.

It’s important to recognize the warning signs of suicide. Here are some indicators that someone may be thinking about suicide:

• Sleeping less or a lot more
• Extreme changes in behavior
• Withdrawing from others
• Giving away possessions
• Neglecting personal hygiene
• An increase in the use of drugs or alcohol
• Previous suicide attempts
• Impulsive behavior or aggression
• Recently experienced a job, financial, or another loss
• Reckless or unusual behavior
• History of abuse or trauma
• Persistent feelings of sadness or despair
• Feeling hopeless or seeing no reason to live
• Feeling as though others would be better off without you
• Talking about wanting to die or commit suicide
• Mentioning specific plans or taking actions to end their life (such as buying a gun)
• Cultural and religious beliefs associated with suicide

If you are worried about yourself or someone close to you, it’s important to take action. If you are having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988. This Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7.

If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911 (in the U.S.) and let the operator know that you need help for a mental health crisis.

Who Diagnoses Mental Illnesses?

A wide range of practitioners can diagnose a mental illness. Your primary care physician (PCP) can diagnose and prescribe medications for mental health conditions. However, most PCPs prefer to refer patients to a mental health specialist for serious issues like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Some common mental health specialists who diagnose mental illnesses include:

• Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats mental health conditions. They hold either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications and other medical treatments, such as electric convulsive treatment.
• Psychologist: A psychologist usually holds a doctoral degree, such as a PsyD or PhD. They must be licensed in their state and pass state-specific board exams to practice. Psychologists can diagnose and treat mental illness. However, in most states, they aren’t able to prescribe medication.
• Psychiatric nurse practitioners: Psychiatric nurses are advanced practice registered nurses. They have specialized training to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. Psychiatric nurses can prescribe medications.
• Licensed mental health counselors and social workers: Mental health therapists and counselors usually have advanced degrees in counseling, social work, or psychology. They may be eligible for a variety of licenses depending on their state and degree. Most can diagnose and treat mental health conditions as long as they are licensed in their state. They cannot prescribe medications.

While any of the above mental health practitioners can diagnose mental health concerns and provide therapy, only a licensed physician, psychiatrist, or nurse practitioner can prescribe medications.

Getting Help for Mental Illness

If you or someone you love is showing any of the early signs of mental illness, make an appointment with your primary care physician or a mental health professional right away. Mental health issues are often treatable, and getting early help can lead to better outcomes.