Different Types and Signs of Mental Illness
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH):
Mental illnesses are common in the United States. Nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness (51.5 million in 2019). Mental illnesses include many different conditions that vary in severity, ranging from mild to moderate to severe. Two broad categories can be used to describe these conditions: Any Mental Illness (AMI) and Serious Mental Illness (SMI). AMI encompasses all recognized mental illnesses. SMI is a smaller and more severe subset of AMI.
Any mental illness (AMI) is defined as a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder. AMI can vary in how little or how much it can affect a person ranging from no impairment to mild, moderate, and even severe impairment such as individuals with SMI.
Serious mental illness (SMI) is defined as a behavioral or emotional disorder that results in serious functional impairment, which eventually messes with a person’s every day every major life activities. Therefore, the burden of mental illnesses particularly happens to those who experience disability due to SMI.
What Are The 5 Signs Of Mental Illness?
It isn’t always easy trying to tell the difference between expected behaviors and the signs of a mental illness. Unfortunately, there’s no easy test or way someone can let you know if there is mental illness or if their actions and thoughts might be typical behaviors of a “normal” person or the result of a physical illness.
Some common mental disorders include anxiety, depression, addiction, eating disorders, anorexia and bulimia, and schizophrenia. Many mental disorders can significantly interfere with functioning in normal life activities like work, school, carry on a conversation, and many other everyday activities. Now even maintaining a quality of life is possible with some mental illnesses.
More About The 5 Signs Of Mental Illness
It is too easy to go day after day about our busy lives and not notice physical or mental illness symptoms in ourselves or others close to us. Our body has built-in warning systems, which alert us to the signs we need to pay attention to. Watch out for these five signs of mental illness:
- A Change in Personality – If someone acts like a very different person or does not act or feel like themselves.
- Uncharacteristic Anxiety, Anger, or Moodiness – Severe changes in emotion cause alarm, especially if they are constant.
- Social Withdrawal and Isolation – If an individual is starting to be “closed off” socially, canceling social engagements, or spending too much time alone, this is a serious warning sign of emotional or mental health issues.
- Lack of Self-Care or Risky Behaviors – Persons with mental health issues often lose concern over their health and well-being, engaging in risky behaviors like drinking and drug use. In addition, a lack of hygiene, or lack of concern with appearance, may be indicative of a mental health issue.
- A Sense of Hopelessness or Feeling Overwhelmed – Mental health difficulties often cause people to give up in life. They start to feel like life is just too hard or that they will never feel “normal” again.
These warning signs, especially when they occur together, indicate that it is time to take action for yourself or others. But, first, realize that you are not alone. Many Americans suffer from mental health issues at one time or another. Seek help from a licensed, professional counselor, or contact a physician or your local mental health association.
We Can Help With Mental Health Disorder At Agape Treatment Center
At the Agape Behavioral Healthcare Network, we take mental health issues of all varieties very seriously and provide a safe, nurturing environment to learn about the disorders plaguing them from an emotionally unstable life.
Our licensed mental health clinicians will fully assess an individual that seems, feels, or has been previously diagnosed with a mental health disorder and meet them exactly where they are in life. GET HELP TODAY!
Stephanie Catalano is an accomplished Clinical Director at Agape Behavioral Healthcare. With a Master of Social Work degree, LCSW license, and extensive training in Rapid Resolution Therapy under her belt, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her unique combination of education and experience allows her to provide exceptional care to clients and lead her team with confidence. Stephanie’s joy comes from witnessing the moments when her patients creatively connect the dots and bravely move toward reclaiming their power. Her purpose is to help individuals understand their past so they can create a future full of hope, growth, and success. Stephanie attributes a large portion of her success to the supportive culture and strong sense of community fostered by the Agape team.
