Mental Illness Symptoms

Mental illness is often considered shameful, even by people who know someone who has been diagnosed with it or who have been diagnosed themselves. The belief that most mental illnesses are the result of character flaws and personality defects may hinder someone from seeking treatment.

We must debunk these myths and misconceptions. People who suffer from mental illness should not be ashamed. Effective treatments are available.

Mental illness is very common. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five people is affected by some form of mental illness during the course of a year. Only 5% of those suffering from a mental health disorder will seek treatment by a mental health professional, even though 25% of all visits to a primary care physician involve patients with a diagnosable behavioral health disorder.

Recognizing Anxiety

Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by three major groups of symptoms:

• Trembling, twitching, or feeling shaky; muscle tension, ache or soreness; restlessness and tiring easily
• Shortness of breath or "smothering" sensations; rapid heartbeat, sweating or cold clammy hands; dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea or other abdominal distress; hot flashes or chills; trouble swallowing or "lump" in throat
• Feeling keyed up or on edge; having an exaggerated startle response; difficulty concentrating; difficulty falling or staying asleep; general irritability

Recognizing Depression

There is a difference between "feeling blue" and clinical depression. If any of the following symptoms occur frequently, or persist for more than a week, depression is a strong possibility.

• Feelings of worthlessness, isolation, loneliness or awkwardness
• Pessimism about yourself, the world and your future
• Difficulty in concentrating, carrying out daily routines, making decisions
• Changes in sleeping habits, trouble getting to sleep or staying awake
• Changes in eating patterns, overeating or loss of appetite
• Loss of interest in family, friends and events
• Unexplained crying spells
• Thoughts of suicide