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Warning Signs and Symptoms
The following are signs that you or your loved one may want to speak to a medical or mental health professional:
In adults:
- 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
In older children and pre-adolescents:
- 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
In younger children:
- 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
Therapy can be beneficial for both the individual with mental illness and other family members. A mental health professional can suggest ways to cope and better understand your loved one’s illness. When looking for a therapist, be patient and talk to a few professionals so you can choose the person that is right for you and your family. It may take time until you are comfortable, but in the long run you will be glad you sought help.
If you think you may have a mental or emotional problem, it is important to remember there is hope and help. There are a number of support groups in the middle Tennessee area available for almost every disorder and well as public programs. You can also contact the J. Speed Thomas Center for additional assistance.
How to cope day-to-day
Accept your feelings
Despite the different symptoms and types of mental illnesses, many families who have a loved one with mental illness, share similar experiences. You may find yourself denying the warning signs, worrying what other people will think because of the stigma, or wondering what caused your loved one to become ill. Accept that these feelings are normal and common among families going through similar situations. Find out all you can about your loved one’s illness by reading and talking with mental health professionals. Share what you have learned with others.
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 antisocial behaviors. When in public, these behaviors can be disruptive and difficult to accept.
The next time you and your family member visit your doctor or mental health professional, discuss these behaviors and develop a strategy for coping.
Establishing a support network
Whenever possible, seek support from friends and family members. 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
Therapy can be beneficial for both the individual with mental illness and other family members. A mental health professional can suggest ways to cope and better understand your loved one’s illness. When looking for a therapist, be patient and talk to a few professionals so you can choose the person that is right for you and your family. It may take time until you are comfortable, but in the long run you will be glad you sought help.
For more information, please contact the Mental Health Association of Middle Tennessee at 615-269-5355.
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