What are the symptoms of a mental illness? If a friend or loved one doesn't seem themselves, how do you spot the difference between a bad mood and something more serious?
Drinking too much, being a party pooper, crying all the time or any other ongoing, significant change in a person’s behaviour, thoughts or feelings could be tell-tale signs of a mental illness.
The South African Stress and Health Study conducted in 2004 found that 30% of the South African population suffers from a mental health issue during the course of a lifetime.
Recognising the signs of a mental health issue is not always obvious. Often it's not a single change but a combination. The following 9 signs are not to help you diagnose a mental health issue, but instead to reassure you that there might be good reason to seek more information about your concerns.
1. Feeling anxious or worried
We all get worried or stressed from time to time. But anxiety could be the sign of a mental health issue if it constantly interferes with daily activities. Other symptoms of anxiety may include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, headache, restlessness, diarrhoea or a racing mind.
2. Feeling depressed or unhappy
Have you noticed that your friend has lost interest in a hobby you used to share? If they appear sad or irritable for the last few weeks or more, lacking in motivation and energy or are teary all the time, they might be dealing with depression.
3. Emotional outbursts
Everyone has different moods, but sudden and dramatic changes in mood, such as extreme distress or anger, can be a symptom of mental illness.
4. Sleep problems
Generally, we need 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Persistant changes to a person’s sleep patterns, for example insomnia could be a sign of anxiety or substance abuse. Sleeping too much or too little could indicate depression or a sleeping disorder.
5. Weight or appetite changes
Many of us want to lose a few kilos, but for some people fluctuating weight or rapid weight loss could also be a warning sign, such as depression or an eating disorder. Other mental health issues can impact appetite and weight too.
6. Quiet or withdrawn
Occasionally we all require some time to ourselves. If a friend or loved one is regularly isolating themselves, they may have an underlying mental health issue which could be causing their withdrawel. Refusing to join in social activities may be a sign they need help.
7. Substance abuse
Are you worried a loved one is drinking too much? Using substances, such as alcohol or drugs, to cope can also be a sign or contributing factor to mental illness
8. Feeling guilty or worthless
Your friend or loved one may need help if they’re frequently criticising or blaming themselves. When severe, a person may express a feeling to harm oneself. This feeling could mean the person is suicidal and urgent help is needed.
9. Changes in behaviour or feelings
A mental illness may start out as subtle changes to a person’s feelings, thinking and behaviour. Ongoing and significant changes could be a sign that they have or are developing a health issue. If something doesn’t seem ‘quite right’, it’s important to start the conversation about getting help as early as possible
Where to get help?
The South African depression and anxiety group: -
http://www.sadag.org/
Dr Reddy's Help Line
0800 21 22 23
Pharmadynamics Police &Trauma Line
0800 20 50 26
Adcock Ingram Depression and Anxiety Helpline
0800 70 80 90
Destiny Helpline for Youth & Students
0800 41 42 43
ADHD Helpline
0800 55 44 33
Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Line 24hr helpline
0800 12 13 14
SMS 32312
Suicide Crisis Line
0800 567 567
SADAG Mental Health Line
011 234 4837
Akeso Psychiatric Response Unit 24 Hour
0861 435 787
South African Federation for Mental Health: - http://www.safmh.org.za/
Source:
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/signs-mental-health-issue
https://africacheck.org/reports/do-a-third-of-south-africans-really-suffer-from-mental-illnesses/