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Recognizing the Warning Signs of Mental Illness

Most people believe that mental disorders are rare and "happen to someone else." In fact, mental disorders are common and widespread. They can strike anyone at any time. An estimated 51 million Americans suffer from some form of mental disorder in a given year. Sharing a home with someone who has a mental illness may be difficult and stressful. Most families are not prepared to cope with this situation. It can be physically and emotionally trying, and can make us feel vulnerable to the opinions and judgments of others.

If you think you or someone you know may have a mental or emotional problem, it is important to keep in mind the following:

• Mental illnesses are real, recognizable and treatable.
  
• Early treatment may reduce the effects of a mental illness.
  
• There is hope.
  
• Help is available.
  

What Is Mental Illness?

A mental illness is a disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thought and/or behavior, resulting in an inability to cope with lifeís ordinary demands and routines. Mental health problems may be related to excessive stress due to a particular situation or series of events. As with cancer, diabetes and heart disease, mental illnesses are often physical as well as emotional and psychological. Mental illnesses may be caused by feeling environmental stresses, genetic factors, biochemical imbalances, or a combination of these. With proper care and treatment many individuals learn to cope or recover from a mental illness or emotional disorder. For others, it may be a lifelong challenge.

There are more than 200 classified forms of mental illnesses. Some of the more common disorders are: depression, bipolar disorders, dementias, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders. Symptoms may include changes in mood, personality, personal habits and/or social withdrawal.

Warning Signs Of Mental Illness In Adults Include:

• confused thinking
  
• prolonged depression (sadness or irritability)
  
• feelings of extreme highs and lows
  
• excessive fears, worries and anxieties
  
• social withdrawal
  
• dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
  
• strong feelings of anger
  
• delusions or hallucinations
  
• growing inability to cope with daily problems and activities
  
• suicidal thoughts
  
• denial of obvious problems
  
• numerous unexplained physical ailments
  
• substance abuse

• changes in school performance
  
• poor grades despite strong efforts
  
• excessive worry or anxiety (i.e. refusing to go to bed or school)
  
• hyperactivity
  
• persistent nightmares
  
• persistent disobedience or aggression
  
• frequent temper tantrums

• substance abuse
  
• inability to cope with problems and daily activities
  
• change in sleeping and/or eating habits
  
• excessive complaints of physical ailments
  
• defiance of authority, truancy, theft, and/or vandalism
  
• intense fear of weight gain
  
• prolonged negative mood, often accompanied by poor appetite or thoughts of death
  
• frequent outbursts of anger
  

The Shared Experience Of Mental Illness
Despite the different symptoms and types of mental illnesses, many families share similar experiences.

Do You Find Yourself:

• Denying the warning signs?
  Substance abuse, "growing pains" or menopause, for example, may mask signs of mental illness. Individuals abusing drugs may be seeking ways to cope with their mental illness. Repeated visits to a doctor with complaints of flu-like symptoms, back pain, or colds may also be symptomatic of an underlying mental illness.

• Worrying about what other people will think?
  Often the warning signs of mental illnesses are ignored because of the stigma that persists. Some people may face ridicule or hostility from friends and neighbors. The insensitivity of others may add to feelings of loneliness and isolation and may stop a family from seeking help.

• Wondering who is to blame?
  Often, knowing what causes an illness helps people to accept the situation and move on to seeking treatment. With some mental illnesses, there are no immediate answers or obvious reasons why someone became ill.

  Today, research tells us that many mental illnesses are caused by a variety of reasons. Find out all you can about your loved oneís illness by reading and talking with mental health professionals.

• Handling unusual behavior
  The outward signs of a mental illness are often behavioral. Individuals may be extremely quiet or withdrawn. Conversely, he or she may burst into tears or have outbursts of anger. Even after treatment has started, individuals with a mental illness can exhibit anti-social behaviors.

  When in public, these behaviors can be embarrassing and difficult to accept. Try to be patient and remember that the person probably cannot control his or her actions. Calmly try and move to a private location until the episode is over. The next time you and your family member visit your doctor, discuss these behaviors and develop a strategy for coping.

• Establishing a support network
  If you feel you cannot discuss your situation with friends or other family members, find a self-help or support group. These groups provide an opportunity for you to talk to other people who are experiencing the same type of problems. They can listen and offer valuable advice.

• Seeking counseling
  It is likely that the family member with the mental illness is seeing a therapist or counselor. Therapy can also be beneficial for family members. The therapist can suggest ways to cope and better understand your loved oneís illness.

  When looking for a therapist, be patient and talk to a few therapists so you can choose the person that is right for you and your family. It may take time until you are comfortable with the therapist, but in the long run you will be glad you sought help.

• Taking time out
  It is common for the person with the mental illness to become the focus of family life. When this happens, other members of the family may feel ignored, annoyed and resentful. Some may find it difficult to pursue their own interests.

  If you are the caretaker, you may need some time to rest. Schedule time away before you become frustrated or angry. If you schedule time for yourself it will help you to keep things in perspective and you may have more patience and compassion for coping or helping your loved one.

• You have feelings too
  Remember, the burden of caring for a person 24-hours a day can be exhausting and unpredictable, even frightening. Take time for yourself, seek respite care and the support and help of family and friends. Only when you are physically and emotionally healthy can you help others.

  It is not always possible to be patient and giving all the time. There are times when you may be tired, angry, or resentful. Accept these feelings and go easy on yourself.

• Inpatient care
  There are many reasons why it may be necessary to hospitalize the family member with a mental illness. Medications may need to be adjusted under close supervision, or a different course of treatment may be necessary.

  At these times it is not only the individual with the illness who must make changes, but also the family. Take time to re-focus, develop a new routine and plan for your loved oneís return.

• Don't give up too soon
  Recovery from a mental illness takes time, months or even years. Donít be discouraged by temporary setbacks, and try not to blame yourself when things go wrong.

MHAFC needs your financial support to continue to improve awareness and understanding of mental illnesses. Please click here to make a contribution.

This publication is generously supported by a grant from the William H. Donner Foundation and Eli Lilly and Company. copyright 1996

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