Mental illness often hides itself within our core. We often think we’re just worried about something or sad about another. However, the truth could be more sinister than that, and the numbers agree.
19.1% of Americans in the US suffer from anxiety, 8.3% from major depression, 2.8% from bipolar disorder, 3.6% from post-traumatic stress disorder, and many others suffer from much more.
It’s even more alarming in states such as Florida, where receiving mental healthcare is expensive and 23.6% of its population suffers from depression.
So, if you’re among the many suffering from mental health disorders near South Florida, know there’s mental health treatment in West Palm Beach waiting to help you or your loved ones.
Until you get that much-needed help, read on to learn what are the hidden signs of mental illness and possible treatments.
Table of Contents
Signs Of Mental Illness
You’ll find that there are many signs that could indicate a person has mental health problems. Now, while many are best observed by mental health professionals, we can easily pick on other signs ourselves, including:
1. Extreme Mood Swings
There are certain mental health conditions, like bipolar disorder, that are characterized by intense mood shifts. It’s significantly different from turning from happy to sad upon realizing something or hearing some news.
These shifts can be so extreme that they disrupt every aspect of a person’s life. During manic phases someone might feel unusually energetic, almost invincible, taking on projects, making grand plans, or recklessly spending money.
On the flip side, the depressive phase can bring a profound sense of despair. Activities that once brought joy to feel like impossible burdens. Even getting out of bed might seem like a monumental task.
2. Withdrawal From Social Activities
People often cancel an outing or activity with each other because they feel tired or not in the mood. This is completely normal.
However, when someone starts pulling away from social interactions or stops engaging in activities they once loved, it’s more often than just a passing phase. This out-of-character withdrawal can be a sign of mental health issues like depression or schizophrenia.
Imagine the world becoming too loud, too bright, or simply too much to handle—this overwhelming feeling can lead to isolation as a way to cope.
For a person dealing with depression, the energy required to socialize may feel like an insurmountable hurdle. For those with schizophrenia, withdrawal might be a way to manage confusing or distressing thoughts.
3. Change in Sleep or Eating Patterns
Sleep and appetite are closely tied to mental health as we often take out our feelings on them in one way or another.
Noticeable changes in these areas can be significant warning signs of conditions like anxiety disorders or depression. For example, if someone suffers from anxiety they might be unable to sleep, staying up all night, their minds racing with thoughts.
On the other hand, depression can make you sleep excessively in an attempt to escape these feelings. Similarly, appetite changes can go in either direction. Some can lose interest in food entirely, while others might turn to it for comfort, leading to overeating.
4. Excessive Worry or Anxiety
Worry is a natural part of life, but when it becomes all-consuming, it turns from being a fleeting concern to a sign of an underlying issue.
Anxiety disorders can make it feel like the mind is constantly on fight-or-flight response, anticipating the worst in every situation. This relentless anxiety can interfere with daily tasks, making it hard to concentrate, sleep, or even relax.
It’s essential you recognize this level of worry isn’t something to simply “push through.” Seeking support from mental health professionals can lead to effective treatment options, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help reduce these overwhelming feelings.
How to Recognize Mental Illness in Yourself or Others
As mentioned, some mental health issues can leave undetected signs. Sadly, those signs can be so subtle that only a healthcare professional can notice them.
Yet, if you feel that a family member or a loved one is fighting against something, you can look for the following:
Behavioral Changes
These are often the earliest and most noticeable signs that something is amiss, even before someone is willing or able to talk about their feelings.
If a person who used to be outgoing, started canceling plans and skipping activities they once enjoyed, it can be a significant red flag.
Please note this isn’t just about canceling plans once or twice. You should look for a pattern of avoidance or isolation that suggests they’re pulling away from the world around them.
Irritability and moodiness can also be telling signs. Everyone has bad days, but if a loved one becomes consistently short-tempered, easily frustrated, or seems more often on edge, it might indicate they’re struggling internally.
Physical Health
Mental health conditions frequently manifest through physical symptoms that can be easily mistaken for unrelated medical issues.
Persistent fatigue, for instance, is a common complaint among those suffering from depression or anxiety. This isn’t just the tiredness that comes from lack of sleep, but a deep, pervasive exhaustion that doesn’t seem to go away, no matter how much rest a person gets.
Unexplained aches and pains are other physical symptoms that can be linked to mental health problems. Chronic headaches, back pains, or even digestive issues can all be signs that something is wrong emotionally or mentally.
Changes in Communication
Another way to recognize if someone might be struggling with mental health issues is by paying attention to how they communicate.
People often express their inner turmoil through changes in the way they speak or interact with others. For example, someone might become more negative, frequently expressing hopelessness or despair.
They might also withdraw from conversation or seem disinterested in topics they found engaging before.
Moreover, some individuals might be talking more about topics related to death or self-harm, which can be a clear indicator of distress.
It’s vital to listen carefully to what’s being said or not said. If someone hints at deeper issues, gently ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share more.
Different Mental Health Treatment Options
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to mental health treatment. What might work for you can be rather ineffective for others.
As a result, it’s best to consult a professional on what type of treatment works best for you or your loved one. Some of the most prominent therapies include:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a structured, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
The premise of CBT is that negative thought patterns can lead to harmful behaviors and emotional distress. This form of therapy is particularly effective for treating anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and more.
2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a type of talk therapy, designed to help individuals manage intense emotions and develop healthier ways of coping with stress.
Originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD), DBT has since been adapted for various mental health conditions, including eating disorders, self-harm, and more. It focuses on four key aspects:
- Mindfulness: Staying present and fully engaging with the current moment without judgment.
- Distress Tolerance: Developing skills to tolerate and survive crises without making things worse
- Emotional Regulation: Understanding and managing intense emotions to reduce vulnerability.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Improving communication and relationships through confidence and maintaining self-respect.
3. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a therapeutic approach that combines mindfulness with yoga to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
Developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn in the early 1980s, MBSR teaches individuals to focus on the present moment with a non-judgmental attitude, helping reduce stress’s impact on mental and physical health.
MBSR typically involves an 8-week program that includes weekly group sessions, daily home practice, and a full-day retreat.
Its goal is to cultivate greater awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, which can improve emotional regulation and a greater sense of well-being.
Final Thoughts
Please seek mental health treatment in West Palm Beach if you think you or a loved one is suffering any kind of serious mental illness.
We know how hard this step can be. It’s natural to feel hesitant, uncertain, or even overwhelmed by the idea of reaching for help, especially when it comes to something as personal as mental health.
But remember, nobody has to go through this alone! Mental health professionals in West Palm Beach are equipped with the expertise and compassion to guide you through the healing process. You deserve to feel better, and the support you need is just within reach.
