How To Tell If a Loved One Is Struggling With a Mental Health Disorder

It can be a challenge to know if a loved one is struggling with a mental health disorder. Your loved one may be unaware that they are suffering or may not want to admit that there is a problem. You may notice unusual behavior or feel that something is not right about their thinking or actions. You may notice a problem before they do. 

If you understand the warning signs, you can help them seek treatment as soon as possible. Often, the earlier treatment starts, the easier it is to return to equilibrium. 

Common Signs of a Mental Health Disorder

Different mental illnesses have unique symptoms, but there are also some signs that each have in common. If you are able to recognize the basic signs of a mental health disorder, it is possible to get help for your loved one and reduce the severity of the illness. 

Some of the most common warning signs of mental health disorders in adults and adolescents are:

• Changes in sleep pattern
• Loss of appetite or increase in appetite
• Decline in personal care and hygiene 
• Changes in sex drive
• Dramatic shifts in mood and feelings of depression
• Withdrawing and isolating from friends and family
• Loss of interest in activities and hobbies that were previously enjoyed
• Problems with concentration or memory
• Difficulty performing at work or doing routine tasks
• Illogical thoughts
• Increased sensitivity to sounds or sights
• Feeling nervous or anxious
• Odd, unusual behavior
• Problems with alcohol or substance abuse

Signs of Stress

In addition to these warning signs, you may also notice that your loved one is showing signs of stress from the symptoms they are experiencing. Some signs of stress may include:

• Irritability
• Crying
• Lashing out for no reason
• Fits of anger or rage
• Extreme fatigue

Psychotic Symptoms

Some mental health disorders produce psychotic symptoms. These may include:

• Paranoia or delusional thoughts
• Grandiose beliefs
• Speaking to people who are not there
• Speaking directly to themselves
• Hearing voices
• Being non-responsive or catatonic

Physical Symptoms

Mental health disorders can often produce physical problems. Your loved one may have physical symptoms such as:

• Headaches
• Stomach pain
• Back pain
• Unexplained aches and pain

The Role of Genetics

Another indicator that your loved one may be suffering from a mental health disorder is genetics. The National Institute on Health has found a relationship between genetics and the likelihood of a person to develop a mental health disorder. If your loved one has a family history of a mental health disorder and is showing signs of one, they may be struggling and need help. 

Signs of a Childhood Mental Health Disorder 

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, some mental health disorders begin to develop in childhood. Children often are unable to express their thoughts or emotions, which makes it difficult to recognize many of the signs of a mental illness. Many signs in children are more behavioral. These may include: 

• Hyperactivity
• Change in performance at school
• Excessive worrying
• Avoiding sleep or having nightmares
• Aggression or disobedience
• Temper tantrums

What to Do Next

Once you recognize or suspect that your loved one is struggling with a mental health disorder, you can talk to them about your concerns. It can be difficult to tell someone that they need to seek help, but it may save their lives. You will want to be honest and encouraging. Offer support and help make an appointment with a mental health professional. If your loved one does not want to listen to you, enlist the help of someone else that they trust or their physician.

If your loved one has suicidal thoughts or is talking of self-harm, seek immediate medical help. 

Help is Available

If you see a loved one struggling with a mental health disorder, speak to a professional at Creekside as soon as possible. The first step in treatment is getting a diagnosis.  Once a diagnosis is made by a mental health professional, treatment options will be discussed. Treatment depends on the type of illness, severity, and the person’s personal needs. Treatment may include:

• Medication
• Therapy and counseling
• Lifestyle modification

There are a wide range of treatment options available for mental health disorders that can help delay the progression of the illness or help manage symptoms.