Recognizing the Signs of Mental Health Issues in Loved Ones

Recognizing the signs of a mental health issue in a loved one can be difficult. However, there are a few common signs you could be on the lookout for. These include mood, behavior, cognitive, and physical changes. Early detection is key in getting someone help before their mental health takes a toll on their life. 

What is a Mental Health Issue?

Mental health refers to a person’s overall psychological well-being. Mental health problems, also known as mental health disorders, affect a person’s thinking, mood, and behavior. Some common examples of mental health disorders include anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and substance abuse. 

These conditions can have a drastic impact on a person’s daily life. They can interfere with their ability to work, study, and maintain personal relationships. Mental health disorders can also accompany physical symptoms and may co-occur with other medical conditions. It is crucial to seek professional help if you are experiencing mental health disorder symptoms.

Different Types of Mental Health Issues

There are many types of mental health disorders, ranging from those that affect a person’s mood to those that impact their thoughts and behaviors. 

Some of the most common types of mental health disorders include:

• Anxiety Disorders: This category of disorders includes generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People with anxiety disorders experience excessive worry or fear. They may have physical symptoms like sweating, shaking, or a rapid heartbeat.
• Mood Disorders: Mood disorders include depression and bipolar disorder. People with depression experience persistent sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. At the same time, those with bipolar disorder have alternating periods of mania and depression.
• Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness characterized by thinking, emotions, and behavior disturbances. People with schizophrenia may have hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking.
• Eating Disorders: Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, are characterized by abnormal eating habits and distorted body image.
• Personality Disorders: Personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder, are characterized by patterns of thought, behavior, and interpersonal functioning that deviate significantly from cultural norms.
• Substance Use Disorders: Substance use disorders, such as alcohol and drug addiction, involve compulsive substance use despite adverse consequences.
• ADHD: A neurodevelopmental disorder marked by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

It’s important to note that these are only some mental health disorders and that people can experience various symptoms and severity levels. 

Recognizing the Signs of Mental Health Issues in Loved Ones

The signs and symptoms of mental health disorders can vary widely depending on the specific condition and the individual. 

Some common symptoms include:

• Mood changes: This can include persistent sadness, hopelessness, irritability, or anxiety, as well as sudden mood swings or emotional outbursts.
• Changes in behavior: This can include withdrawing from social activities, changes in sleep patterns, changes in appetite, or a decline in personal hygiene.
• Cognitive changes: This can include difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, disordered thinking, or paranoia.
• Physical symptoms: This can include fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, or digestive problems, as well as changes in appetite and sleep patterns.
• Changes in thinking patterns: This can include racing thoughts, confusion, distorted thinking, or hallucinations.
• Substance abuse: This can include the excessive use of drugs or alcohol to cope with feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression.
• Suicidal thoughts or self-harm: People struggling with mental health issues may also experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Physical health problems or medications can also cause changes in someone. However, looking out for these warning signs is a good start to being aware of your loved one’s mental state. 

How to Approach a Loved One with a Mental Health Issue

Approaching a loved one struggling with a mental health issue can be challenging, but it is an essential step in getting them the help they need. 

Here are some tips for approaching a loved one about their mental health:

• Be Supportive: Let your loved one know you care about them and are there to support them. Avoid being critical or judgmental; instead, offer a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on.
• Non-Judgmental Approach: Those with mental health issues may feel ashamed, so creating a safe and non-judgmental environment for open discussion is crucial.
• Listen to Their Concerns: Allow your loved one to share their experiences and feelings, and listen without interrupting or offering advice. This can help them feel heard and validated.
• Encourage Professional Help: Encourage your loved one to seek professional help and offer to help them find resources, such as a therapist or support group.
• Educate Yourself: Learn as much as possible about their specific condition and available treatment types. This can help you understand what your loved one is going through and be a better support system for them.
• Be Patient: Recovery from a mental health issue is a process, and it may take time for your loved one to get the help they need. Be patient and understanding, and continue to offer your support throughout the journey.

It’s also important to take care of your mental health and seek support if you need it. Supporting a loved one with a mental health issue can be emotionally challenging, so it’s essential to prioritize your well-being and reach out for help when needed.

Agape Treatment Center Can Help

Agape Treatment Center doesn’t just focus on substance and alcohol use disorders. We have a team of highly trained medical professionals who can also address mental health issues. Call us today if you’re unsure where to start to help your loved one. We can guide you and help you come up with a plan. 

Sources:

https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-conditions#:~:text=1%20in%205%20U.S.%20adults,and%2075%25%20by%20age%2024