It’s not always easy to tell the difference between the expected behaviors and what could be the Signs and symptoms of a mental illness.

Most people believe that mental health illnesses are uncommon and “affect others.” But the truth is mental illnesses are common, and they can affect anyone. It’s estimated that 44 million Americans suffer from some type of mental disorder every year.

Many people are not prepared to learn that they or their loved ones have mental health conditions. It can be emotionally and physically challenging, plus the judgment and opinions from others can make them feel vulnerable.

The first thing to remember is there is no shame in having a mental illness. The stigma surrounding mental health is slowly being eroded by high-profile people and celebrities coming out about their own experiences with depression, anxiety, and other disorders.

It’s also important to remember that there is nothing morally wrong with having a mental illness — it’s a part of being human.

What Is Mental Illness?

Mental illness is a term that describes a range of health conditions that may affect your mood, thinking, and behavior. Mental illness is just as real as physical illnesses.

Examples of mental illnesses include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and alcohol or drug abuse.

Mental health problems can make it difficult for you to function normally at home or work, maintain relationships, or care for yourself and others. They can interfere with your ability to live life to its fullest.

Mental health problems affect people from all walks of life, rich or poor, male or female. It can affect anybody at any time in their life — children and adults.

Mental illnesses are not imaginary nor a sign of personal weakness or lack of character. They’re not things that people can just “snap out of. You can’t just decide to stop being depressed or anxious. You cannot just “think yourself better.”

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Mental Illness

Some ‌symptoms of mental illness are more obvious than others, but the condition can be difficult to discern from other issues. For example, many people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also report experiencing physical pain associated with their symptoms.

Mental illnesses are characterized by patterns of thinking and behavior that are not normal for an individual’s age and culture. Many types of mental illness can affect people differently, but there are some common warning signs and symptoms you may want to look out for if you suspect you or someone close to you is struggling with a mental health condition.

• Changes in mood or behavior
• Social withdrawal
• Feeling persistently low and sad
• Losing interest in activities that were once enjoyed
• Having insomnia or oversleeping
• Changes in appetite, such as overeating or not eating enough
• Experiencing recurring thoughts of death or suicide
• Having trouble concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions

• Inability to cope with daily tasks and stressors
• Irritability and restlessness 
• Anger or lashing out at others 

What to Do if You Discover You’re Mentally Ill

If you discover you have a mental illness, it can be challenging to know how to proceed. You may feel embarrassed or ashamed or worried about how your friends and family will react. You may want to keep the illness hidden from everyone. However, if you don’t seek help and treatment, your life may be negatively affected by the symptoms of your condition.

Here are some steps to take when you discover you or your loved ones have a mental illness:

1. Know what type of mental illness you have

It’s important to know what type of mental illness you have because different types require different treatments. If you have depression, for example, therapy is often recommended, and antidepressants if necessary. If anxiety is causing problems for you, then medications such as benzodiazepines are often prescribed.

2. Have mental health or a health care professional evaluate you

If you discover ‌you’re mentally ill, it is essential to seek professional help. It may be difficult to find a doctor or therapist that is trained in your specific mental illness, but it’s worth doing so. 

A good therapist can help you on your journey toward recovery and teach you how to cope with the symptoms and triggers of your mental illness. Ensure that the person treating your condition has experience and training in treating this ‌type of disorder before committing yourself to their care.

If there isn’t anyone available in your area who specializes in treating your particular mental health problem, do some research online or ask around for recommendations from friends and family members who have dealt with similar issues before.

3. Talk to friends and family about your concerns.

If you think that you might have a mental health problem, it might help to talk about your thoughts with someone close to you. Your loved ones may ‌provide support and advice—particularly if they have a similar experience of mental illness. It may also be helpful for them to share their own experiences for you both to understand what each other is going through.

“I understand your pain. Trust me, I do. I’ve seen people go from the darkest moments in their lives to living a happy, fulfilling life. You can do it too. I believe in you. You are not a burden. You will never be a burden.”
Sophie Turner

4. Join support groups

You should also join support groups where people with similar experiences gather ‌under one roof to talk about their experiences together. These meetups provide valuable insight into what other people might be going through.

Consider seeking help from an organization such as Mind or Rethink Mental Illness, which provides information and advice on all aspects of mental health issues, including information on treatments available and contact details.

You Are Not Alone.

If you are reading this, there’s a good chance that you feel alone. Yours is not the only story, however. There are many ways to find help, including support groups and talking with someone who can listen and empathize with you.

Remember: patience does not mean perfection, and kindness does not require being perfect yourself. And if all else fails? Seek professional help when it’s needed! Keep a journal or other outlet for expression; sometimes, writing things down can be cathartic ‌and may even lead to new ideas about how to cope with your mental illness. Many people live with mental illness and can lead happy, fulfilling lives.