As we face the growing complexity of life, the importance of mental well-being is a primary concern.

Every year, the World Federation of Mental Health presents World Mental Health Day on October 10th. The goal is to help raise awareness about mental health. Each of us can do our part so that people with mental health issues can live a better and dignified life.

There are some general signs to look for with regard to mental illness.

Below you will find general information that may indicate a need for additional follow-up. Consult a qualified health professional for assistance before acting on the specific information presented here.

Indications of mental illness

Mental illness can cause a loss of control of life. Indeed, mental illness affects thoughts, feelings, behaviors and general interactions with the world and with oneself.

When thoughts, feelings, behaviors and interactions with others seem uncomfortable to you, it's time to take into account these early signs of mental illness, take charge of the situation and reverse it before that it does not worsen. It is important to receive professional help if you feel the need.

People with mental illness will present similar thought patterns, emotions and behaviors. These distinctive patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior do not begin as harshly, but gradually become so over time.

There are sometimes subtle clues to underlying mental illness. These indications may take the form of signs and symptoms.

The symptoms are felt by the patient but are not observable by others, while the signs of mental illness are observable by an objective third. The following warning signs may indicate the presence of a mental illness, but keep in mind that these signs alone do not necessarily justify a diagnosis of mental illness.

Everyone experiences difficult moments in life and may have similar symptoms and signs. To determine whether these signs indicate a true mental illness, one must determine whether they come from within the person and if they present these signs in a continuous manner.

Below is a list of some warning signs that may indicate a need for intervention, along with a brief explanation of each:

• A radical change in the sense of oneself

A stable personality indicates thought processes, emotions and healthy behaviors, as well as a strong sense of self and a place of choice in the world. When a person undergoes a radical change in his self-image, a fundamental change in his identity, this could be an early sign of mental illness. A radical change in self-perception may require professional intervention in the form of discussion with a pastor, counselor or physician.

• Psychosomatic disorders (a potential warning sign)

Psychosomatic disorders are physical symptoms caused by mental conflict and stress. Sometimes people consult their doctor for persistent headaches, aches and pains, digestive problems, which can be caused by psychological disorders. Sometimes, only physical illnesses at the origin can lead to psychosomatic disorders if the stress felt by the physical illness is not treated in a healthy way.

• Changes in sleep and eating habits

An early sign of mental illness also includes major changes in sleep and eating habits. If you used to be an early riser and enjoyed getting up early to watch the sun rise, but suddenly and inexplicably wake up much later, this could be an early sign of mental illness. It could also be a sign of burnout and burnout or physical illness, but if the latter two are excluded, mental illness may be the cause.

Major changes in eating habits are also a potential sign. If someone was used to eating about 2,000 calories a day but suddenly and inexplicably started consuming 4,000 a day, this could be an early sign of mental illness, assuming that other factors are excluded. .

• Avoid activities that we liked

Avoiding usual activities can be an early sign of mental illness. Spending time on healthy activities is the mark of a healthy person, and conversely, avoiding them may indicate that something is wrong.

In addition to avoiding previously enjoyable activities, the feeling of shutting down and withdrawing from society and from life in general can also be an early sign of mental illness. If there seems to be no reason to want to close and avoid people and activities, this can be a sign of early mental illness.

One can also feel that problems and struggles are worsening and not improving, as well as negative feelings and negative experiences.

• Suicidal feelings and thoughts (early sign)

Healthy people who cope in a healthy way with the difficulties and stress encountered in life do not usually experience suicidal feelings and thoughts.

People who fail to manage their problems in a healthy way and are unable to find a healthy way out of their problems may experience feelings and thoughts of suicide. People who have suicidal thoughts and feelings should immediately consult a professional.

The information presented above is not intended to replace the advice of qualified professionals. The content provides general awareness information that may indicate a need for additional follow-up. Consult a qualified health professional for assistance before acting on the specific information presented here.

Mark Mahoney has been a Registered Dietitian / Registered Nutritionist for over 30 years. He can be reached at [email protected].

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