Though mental illness is widespread, it’s not always straightforward and can be tricky to recognize in yourself. One reason is that you don’t know some of the symptoms. It can be challenging to figure out if you have a mental illness. However, there are some signs that could point towards a condition to be mindful of, and you can talk to a therapist about them. One in five people has a mental illness in America. There is no shame if you are suffering from a mental health condition. But, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms as well as ways to get help. Here are some clues that you may be suffering from a mental health condition.
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You’re having difficulty functioning day-to-day
If you’re having a hard time getting up in the morning and going to work, that could be the sign of something mental health-related. That’s a tricky symptom because many of us don’t want to go to our jobs. However, there’s a difference between being grumpy in the morning and feeling so dreadful that you don’t want to face the day. Perhaps you feel anxious in the morning. If you’re panicking about seeing people, that might be the sign that you have some social anxiety. If you have difficulty showering or you feel physically or emotionally exhausted, that could be a sign of depression. If many factors are impacting your day-to-day life functioning, that could be the sign of a mental health condition. When your quality of life is impacted, you need to seek the help of a mental health professional.
Irritability
It’s normal to be irritable from time to time. But if you find that every day you feel agitated or are in a foul mood, that could be a sign of many different mental health disorders. Some people struggle with irritability who have bipolar disorder. Others who are diagnosed with clinical depression deal with this issue. Whatever the case may be, it’s crucial to get help if you have a mental illness. So don’t wait to do so. If nothing else, you may be irritable from everyday life issues. On the plus side, you can always talk to a therapist about these concerns.
Racing thoughts
Racing thoughts can be a symptom of an anxiety disorder, or they could be a sign of a different type of mental health condition. Some people who are experiencing mania during bipolar disorder have racing thoughts. Those who have panic disorder often struggle to calm their mind down. It’s not easy to have thoughts you can’t control. You may not be able to stop these ideas from coming into your head or the emotions connected with them. But, there is something you can do to help yourself. A therapist understands how painful these thoughts can be. They will help you determine if there’s an underlying mental health condition connected to the thoughts. Additionally, many mental health professionals can teach mindfulness techniques to show you how to manage your racing thoughts. It’s worth talking to a counselor if you’re experiencing these symptoms.
Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there
If you’re seeing or hearing things that aren’t there, that’s a sure sign of a mental health condition. It’s called a hallucination, and there could be many underlying causes. One of the most common indicators of hallucinating is lack of sleep. No matter what mental health condition you have, getting a good night’s sleep is crucial. If you don’t get it, you can suffer serious mental health consequences. People who have hallucinations could be experiencing mania with psychosis. Or, they have a condition such as schizophrenia, which is characterized by hallucinations. If you are seeing or hearing things that aren’t there, there’s nothing to be ashamed of because you didn’t cause it to happen. You have a mental health condition that is treatable. Many people who have schizophrenia or bipolar disorder with psychotic features can live a normal life, hold a job, and have families. It’s a matter of getting a skilled mental health professional, a therapist, and regularly seeing a psychiatrist to get stabilized on medication. When you follow a treatment plan, you can live a great quality of life.
Getting help for mental illness
Remember that mental illness is common. Millions of people live with it every day. You can learn more about mental health conditions on Mind Diagnostics. If you’re struggling, it’s okay to reach out for help. You can meet with therapists online or in your local area. Don’t be afraid to start looking for someone who can support you in bettering your life. Therapists want to be there to help you thrive. They understand the challenges of living with mental health issues and aren’t going to judge you. You have the power to help yourself, and that starts by accepting help from others.