Recognizing Warning Signs of Mental Illnesses in the Family

An estimated 44 million Americans suffer from some sort of mental disorder in a given year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the lockdown has not made this number any lower. Mental disorders are not as easily noticeable as compared to physical illnesses, so it is important for families to identify and recognize these symptoms in their loves ones and kids. 

Warning signs and symptoms: 

In Adults, Young Adults And Adolescents:

• 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
• Strange thoughts (delusions)
• Seeing or hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations)
• Growing inability to cope with daily problems and activities
• Suicidal thoughts
• Numerous unexplained physical ailments
• Substance use

In Older Children And Pre-Adolescents:

• Substance use
• Inability to cope with problems and daily activities
• Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits
• Excessive complaints of physical ailments
• Changes in ability to manage responsibilities - at home and/or at school
• Defiance of authority, truancy, theft, and/or vandalism
• Intense fear
• Prolonged negative mood, often accompanied by poor appetite or thoughts of death
• Frequent outbursts of anger

In Younger Children:

• Changes in school performance
• Poor grades despite strong efforts
• Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits
• Excessive worry or anxiety (i.e. refusing to go to bed or school)
• Hyperactivity
• Persistent nightmares
• Persistent disobedience or aggression
• Frequent temper tantrums

If you notice these warning signs and need more assistance, seek help from a mental health professional. 

For more information on treatments and what to do for those who are experiencing mental health symptoms click here.