Mental illness includes difficulty thinking, socializing, & functioning. Here are symptoms of psychological disorders such as depression or post traumatic stress.
These signs of mental illness are arranged into six categories: thinking, feeling, socializing, functioning, problems at home and poor self-care. These are symptoms of psychological disorders - and none by themselves are necessarily indicative of a mental illness, such as bipolar disorder or depression. However, two or three of these signs of mental illness may indicate some sort of psychological disorder.
These signs of mental illness don't cover all the possible symptoms of psychological disorders. These signs are just the more common symptoms of depression, bipolar, schizophrenia or anxiety disorders.
Problems With Thinking as a Sign of Mental Illness
Has trouble concentrating, is easily distracted.
Can't remember information.
Processes information slowly, is confused.
Has to work hard to solve problems.
Can't think abstractedly.
False or odd perceptions:
Has perceptual distortions: unusually bright colors or loud sounds.
Hears voices.
Feels old situations are strangely new.
Believes hidden messages are on TV, the radio, or public transportation.
Problems With Feelings as a Sign of Mental Illness
Depression symptoms:
Decreased appetite, weight loss.
Difficulty sleeping, interrupted sleep, sleeping too much.
Intrusive thoughts of death or suicide.
Unable to make decisions, concentrate, or follow through.
Feels worthless, hopeless, and helpless.
Guilty feelings over minor things.
Loss of interest and pleasure in most things.
Bipolar mania symptoms:
Overly confident and grandiose about abilities, talents, wealth, appearance.
Excessive energy, needs little sleep.
Irritable much of the time.
Extreme mood swings with no provocation.
Speaks very fast, difficult to interrupt.
Is easily angered.
Excited, euphoric, overly confident, disruptive to others.
Anxiety symptoms:
Overalert and on guard most of the time.
Feels anxious, afraid, and worried about everyday events.
Avoids normal activities (taking the bus, grocery shopping).
Uncomfortable around people.
Compelled to do ritualistic or repeated behaviors.
Has upsetting, intrusive memories or nightmares of past events.
Problems with Socializing as a Sign of Mental Illness
Has few close friends.
Anxious and afraid around others.
Verbally or physically aggressive.
Has tumultuous relationships, from overly critical to worshipful.
Hard to get along with.
Can't read other people.
Problems with Functioning as a Sign of Mental Illness
Gets fired or quits frequently.
Is easily angered or irritated by normal stresses and expectations.
Can't get along with others at work, school, or home.
Can't concentrate or work effectively.
Problems at Home as a Sign of Mental Illness
Can't attend to others' needs.
Overwhelmed by chores or household expectations.
Can't keep up with housework.
Instigates arguments and fights with family, passively or actively.
Poor Self-Care as a Sign of Mental Illness
Does not take care of appearance or cleanliness.
Doesn't eat enough, or overeats.
Doesn’t take care of yard or home.
Doesn't attend to finances, insurance bills, vehicle, etc.
Pays little or no attention to physical health.
Specific mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders don't necessarily have symptoms that fall into one category. In other words, someone struggling with bipolar disorder could have signs of mental illness from each category (though there are indications that are strictly bipolar, such as excessive energy and extreme mood swings).
Getting Help With Signs of Mental Illness
The only way to determine whether the signs of mental illness are indeed serious psychological problems such as bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety or schizophrenia is to seek a counselor's or psychologist's help.
If you found Signs of Mental Illness helpful, try:
The copyright of the article Signs of Mental Illness in Clinical Psychology is owned by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen. Permission to republish Signs of Mental Illness in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
hi, i have all kinds of psycological problems espeasially social
defficiency, which led me to love living alone, i don't hate people i hate
my problems, i have been like that since my childhood,i was addicted to
video games and movies, no speacial hobbies, i stutter a lot and i always
forget things and duties + my personnality sucks ....
Oct 12, 2008 12:35 AM
Guest
:
my son has schitzoprenia paranoid and my younger child has ADHD it worries
me that she might or could her diagnose change to something worst. I
sometimes suffer from asiety thou I have never been diagnosed, I would like
all this question answered, but sometimes i am afraid to find out.
Oct 12, 2008 7:01 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
If you find out that you struggle with anxiety, then you can get help with
it. Sometimes learning the truth is the best thing that could happen - even
if it's the hardest thing to deal with.
Oct 16, 2008 5:09 PM
Guest
:
hi iam a teen i feel so tried of life this is my 12th grade year i should
not feel like this . i sholud be right now but i am not ! i tried of being
in a foster home i feel so unwanted . and worthless i can deal with a lot
of things that have happen in my but for some reason i cant deal anymore. i
think its time to die!~
Oct 17, 2008 5:49 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
You're right - you shouldn't feel like that! Maybe you're depressed - could
you talk to someone at school about getting some help? It's not time to die
-- you have alot of good life ahead of you, but you might have to figure
out how to find it, first.
Find someone who cares: a friend,
guidance counselor, teacher, foster parent. And, ask them to help get over
your depression or whatever you're struggling with....because life CAN be
really good.
I'd love to hear how you're doing; please do come
back and posst here.
- Laurie
Oct 18, 2008 2:34 PM
Guest
:
my partner is showing signs of psychological health problems. i dont know
what it is he could have and no idea how to help him. he wants to sort out
his issues but doesnt want to be seen as "crazy" the biggest
problem that we have is that he says that it's like there are two of
him.good and bad. every few weeks he says he feels he's fighting himself to
prevent the bad from being unleashed.when it happens he has no desire for
anything, no emotion. just anger and rage all the time. he has spoken about
suicide several times and has many of the issues above. i dont know how to
help him without him seeing me as the enemy. over the years we've been
strong but he's getting worse and worse every time this happens and we go
days without me being able to speak to him because his temper is short. i
really don't know what to do...
Oct 18, 2008 8:14 PM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
Well, I don't know if there is much you can do. He really needs to get help
- it doesn't sound like he can deal with this on his own. If he doesn't
take care of his own mental health, I don't know if you can do it for
him.....I'm sorry. I wish I had the magic words or the best advice, but I
don't. Sometimes we just can't fix our loved one's problems - they have to
take care of their issues themselves.
I suggest calling a
distress line or a help line, and asking them what resources are in your
area. If your partner is talking about suicide, you need to take that very
seriously! Find out how you can help him get help without making him
mad....and figure out how you can take care of yourself, too.
Best wishes - and please feel free to come back and tell me how you
are.
- Laurie
Nov 23, 2008 1:04 AM
Guest
:
I am concerned for my friend and think she may have some kind of mental
illness. She talks in different voices when she speaks to different people
and being the age of 36 it is a bit disturbing when she talks to men in a
little girls voice. She has self mutilated in the past and seems to have an
unusual approach to sex as if she is some kind of "sex addict".
She often accuses males of "sexually assaulting her" but as it
has happened on many occasions it is now a bit disturbing. She has a
partner and often accuses males of harming her when she has relationship
problems with her husband. She can be a friendly person but often changes
into a nasty spiteful person without warning. Am I imagining that she could
have an illness? How can I help her if she might?
Nov 26, 2008 5:16 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
Your friend does sound like she's a little off, but....we all are in some
way! I don't think you can do much to help her unless she actually wants
help. That is, if she recognizes that she's creating problems in her own
life and isn't thinking clearly - and if she asks for help - then you can
help her find a Distress Line, counselor, pastor, etc to talk to.
But if she's happy the way she is, there's not much you can do. Give her
doses of reality by explaining the definition of sexual assault, perhaps,
and ask why she's suddenly in a nasty mood. Maybe she'll start to realize
that her perception and behavior is a little skewed.
- Laurie
Nov 27, 2008 10:04 AM
Guest
:
I'm a mother of three aged 7 months, 4 years, and 6 years. I'm a full time
waitress in a nice restaurant and lately I've noticed that I don't like
myself much. Husband was laid off mid August and draws unempolyment but is
home all the time. I'm physically exhausted and have trouble concentrating.
I sleep A LOT and overeat as well. My job of 3 years sucks and I do have
three kids but I'm wondering if something's wrong with me. I get very
irritated and anger easily. Like crumbs on floor or my kids out in public
with messy hair or something really makes me bitchy and miserable, and
being upset about it makes me even more exhausted. What do you think?
Nov 28, 2008 12:45 PM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
Well, it sort of sounds like depression to me - but it's impossible to say
over the internet! If you're unhappy, it doesn't matter if it's depression
or seasonal affective disorder or just dissatisfaction with life in general
- you need to deal with it.
How do you deal with it? Get help
or support from friends, family, a counselor, a doctor. The solution to
your problems and negative feelings really depends on you, your needs, your
goals, and your options.
I'm sorry - I wish I could be more
helpful - but I suggest you get help from a counselor or doctor. And,
figure out what you want your life to look like, and start taking baby
steps in that direction.
Best wishes - and do let me know how
you're making out!
Laurie
Dec 8, 2008 12:24 PM
Guest
:
Hi,my name is Fraser I'm 17, and i have been through many
psychological evaluations from professionals and they dont know what to
think. they have thought i had bi-polar, schizophrenia, adhd, anxiety
disorders, insomnia, and personality disorders. i myself am not even sure.
I do have a member of my family who was born with and professianally
diagnosed with psychotic schitsofrenia, so i might have his genetics this is a basic outline of what im like: I am very intense, often
angry 80% of every day I am a musician and can preform but i hate
socializing, i am often by myself and prefer to have a few close friends
instead of wide varieties of aquaintances I can get REALLY
depressed I have experienced hallucinations I have a lot of
psychotic feelings I sometimes am just pure evil, saying the most
messed up things, completely cold hearted, but some times im really nice
and spread mad love I think clear, i love to learn, and i am over
confident and dont like to admit that I get upset really easy and am
very aggressive I do HATE to be alone so i need a friend over every
day Im very goofy and nutty I can be hard to interrupt and speak
fast and aggressive when im pissed a lot of my charictaristics are
controdictory, id like to see if these few things could help any of you
come to some type of conclusion of a possible disorder
Dec 9, 2008 7:58 AM
Guest
:
i fear of speking with people.feels that i,m dumb.i,m very stress all the
time.i,m not socialize.have more confidence for women.generally i cant talk
or answer others.this makes me very worried.all the time i think that i,m
mad.i have always false dreams about my self every day i saw different
things in my dreams.i have lot of confidence for that i,m most
talented.icant stand around people try my every possible to stay alone.
Dec 13, 2008 12:50 PM
Guest
:
Hi my name is drew, i have problems sleeping. talking, my thoughts are all
rambled up all the time. i also feel very nervous around people other then
my family members and girlfriend. sometimes i dont sleep at all and other
times i sleep for well over 12 hours. Been researching and i feel like i
may have schizophrenia but i do not have hallucinations, just all of the
thought symptoms and odd perceptions on sounds and light.
Dec 13, 2008 12:59 PM
Guest
:
Hi my name is drew, i have problems sleeping. talking, my thoughts are all
rambled up all the time. i also feel very nervous around people other then
my family members and girlfriend. sometimes i dont sleep at all and other
times i sleep for well over 12 hours. Been researching and i feel like i
may have schizophrenia but i do not have hallucinations, just all of the
thought symptoms and odd perceptions on sounds and light.
Jan 1, 2009 3:18 PM
Guest
:
Hi all. This summer my father went through some major life changes. He
was forced into retirement, his mother moved far away and his youngest
daughter moved to the other side of the country. Only him and my mother
now live together and he is very depressed. I also live in another state
but am home for the holidays and have noticed some strange behavior that is
far worse than average depression. He twitches uncontrollably..his legs or
arms and hides it when anyone else is around. He has also been talking to
himself saying that he's going nuts and I hear him when he thinks I'm not
around. He also says "stupid idiot" a lot and I believe he hits
himself. I think he believes he's going nuts from all of the twitching and
the uncontrolled grunts..he spends most of his day trying to hide these
things. Whenever you have a conversation with him it is always over the
same few issues that he's worried about and can't let go. I just want to
help him, but I don't know how to help him stop with the twitching and
depression. I know he is seeing a psychiatrist once every couple of weeks.
Is there something I can do to help him?? Please help.
Jan 3, 2009 2:16 PM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
I don't know if there is anything you can do to help your dad, other than
be supportive and reliable. And, I'd suggest giving his psychiatrist a
call - ask him or her if there is anything you can do. His therapist would
be most in tune with his needs, and could offer the most help.
Good luck - I hope your dad is able to move past this stage in his life
soon. Sometimes, it just takes time and patience...but healing DOES
happen!
Laurie
Jan 4, 2009 6:00 AM
Guest
:
hi i am a teen 18 and i fall in love too often and become obsessed and the
emotion is too much, i feel down and have strange mood swings.
Feb 16, 2009 8:31 PM
Guest
:
When do you take threats seriously? I have a brother who's been estranged
from our family for at least the last 5 years. He believes we all ganged up
on him. He has threatened to kill people he feels did him wrong, including
our own mother. We've always thought he's "all bark, no bite".
But that's not the case now. I haven't seen him in years & saw him just
recently & thought that he looked haggard & depressed. Our father
was a psychiatrist and growing up was pretty interesting because we were
introduced into that kind of environment (we lived in a
commercial/residential area in a 3rd world country where zoning was
different compared to USA). My dad kept patients downstairs & we lived
upstairs. Part of his therapy is for patients to mingle with normal people.
LOng story short, all of us kids can pretty much detect a "nut".
My brother has that "look" now. We'd like to help him, but he
hates us. Should we take his threats seriously now? How can someone get him
to see a doctor?
Feb 17, 2009 5:01 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
If you recognize signs of mental illness in your brother, then yes, you
should definitely take it seriously! Don't ignore your brother's threats to
kill people.
Call a distress line, talk to your dad, see your
doctor -- find some way to protect yourself and get help for your brother.
Finding mental help for your brother might be difficult, if he doesn't
think he has a problem, but you need to find ways to make sure you and your
family is safe.
Feb 17, 2009 8:27 AM
Guest
:
Need Help My mother has been displaying irrational behavior for quite
some time. Ever since my parents were legally divorced in 2001 she has been
getting worse. She is homeless (by choice, she says her father is
emtionally abusive and used to stay away from home all hours of the day)
she keeps odd trinkets and things of no value. She has been unable to keep
a steady job, and has been unemployed for almost 2 years. When she does
find jobs, she makes nonsense excuses for quitting. She avoids her family
and does not talk about personal situations. She is overly emotional and
cries virtually every time we speak. I used to rent an apartment for her-
but she lived in squalor. Her apartment was cluttered, she never cleaned
the kitchen, her animals would urinate around the house and she wouldn't
clean it up. She has always been poor at housekeeping. She says she visits
a doctor the shelter she stays at provides, but I cannot imagine how
someone would not notice her off behavior. For the past 8 years, if I speak
to her face to face, it's like she isn't even there. I call her at least 15
times a week in an attempt to check on her, she never answers. If she calls
me back I can't keep her on the phone for longer than 2 minutes and I have
to ask a question multiple times to get her to answer. I know the
seperation from my dad made her depressed, but all my life she has always
displayed an uneven personality. I live in Minnesota and do not know where
to find help. My funds are limited and her family will not take any
measures to help me. Where can I turn to? I feel guilty for not helping
her, and angry for the path shes turned. Her behavior has had a vast effect
on my emtional health and I feel like I just can't do it anymore. I want to
walk away but I never do because I'm the only one who hasn't. She's my
mother, and I want her back. The woman she is now is not my mother. I feel
like I've tried everything. Do states have mental health centers where you
can take someone to be evaluated if you cannot afford the costs? I am
worried for her safety seeing as how she lives in a shelter and wanders the
streets all day long. What can I do?
Feb 17, 2009 9:35 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
I'm sorry to hear about your mom, and I understand you wanting her back --
the way she was, not the way she is now!
Some states do offer
help for people struggling with mental illness, and you might have to do
some digging around to find what exists in your community. Start by calling
the distress lines, help lines, hospitals, social services offices, and
other mental health organizations.
And remember that in order
to get help, your mom needs to be able to accept help. I know a woman in a
similar situation, who is content to live the way she does and so there's
really nothing others can do! It's sad, but we can't force people to
change.
I also suggest that you talk to a counselor to find ways
to manage your own emotional health and well-being! You need to find a
balance between supporting your mom, and letting her go for your own sake.
A counselor would be able to help you with this.....because it sounds like
you're nearing the end of your rope!
Best wishes, best of luck,
and take care of yourself, Laurie
Mar 2, 2009 2:12 PM
Guest
:
Hello. I am 18 years old recently moved to the US from another
country. I believe I suffer from something yet its quite difficult to
explain. I cannot stand being at home especially when I am alone. My
brother is here but I dislike him and I usually have to keep someone here
with me at all times or I have to be around someone.
I feel
angered and depressed being at home and I constantly fight with my mother
and brother to be let out or get someone to be at home with me. Being
alone makes me feel uneasy and annoyed, i get high mood swings and lash out
at people. Yet when I am at someone elses home I feel comfortable and
more like myself. I dont fight with anyone or anything like that.
Im just wondering if I have a mental illness. BiPolar
and anger management runs through my family
Mar 3, 2009 1:24 PM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
The only way to know for sure if you (or anyone) has a mental illness is to
see a doctor. And if you are struggling with any type of illness, you need
a doctor's help in finding solutions!
I encourage you to talk
to your family doctor, or someone you trust. Sometimes we go through rough
patches in life - that's normal - but sometimes we need help getting
through.
Warm regards, Laurie
Mar 6, 2009 3:21 AM
Guest
:
hi i think i have a problem.. a mental problem ..that's why i research the
internet and saw your site.. i was disturbed when someone just told
me.. she saw me smiling and laughing alone.. and some sometimes when im at
work i just talk sometimes... i just smile bec.. i think of something
i think its hallucinations... sometimes i cant control it.. but im
trying to help my self.. by reading books so that i could focus on those
words and to avoid hallucination... do you think it will work??sometimes i
also forget things easily... but i cant see the doctor,,, bec im too busy
with work but sometimes while im working.. itss like i can really do the
job great but im..doing it.. you know like uncontiously.. but im on m some
kind of daydream it really sucks...
Mar 6, 2009 11:51 AM
Guest
:
hey. i am 19 years old girl and wish that i could be able to socialize with
people but i can't and it makes me really sad. the doctors before told me
that i might have depression or something, but it's just not normal to not
be able to talk at all. i want to figure it out and i want to go out and do
things. but i just can't. I'm scared to socialize with people and it's
terrible.
Mar 9, 2009 4:39 PM
Guest
:
I have a friend who is happy 24/7 like literally bouncing and humming to
herself all the time. We have confronted her about it because it just seems
strange... that nothing seems to change her mood she is just always happy.
Is there something psychologically not right with her? We are her new
friends and she doesn't seem to want us to meet her old friends. her
family acts a little strange, different than our families. They are very
religious, this could add to it but it seems like there's more.
Mar 24, 2009 4:25 PM
Guest
:
Hi. My name is Dani. I'm 14 years old. Going on 15. I'm not sure what's
wrong with me, so I decided to research. I get angry too easily, which is
not normal. For example, when I see my crush or boyfriend even talking to
another girl, I get overly angry and upset and jealous. I lash out when
there's no need to. I have no close friends because I'm not good at
talking, and am afraid of what those around me may think. I'm very very
depressed, and suicidal. Sometimes, I get so mad the people Im talking to
are scared of me, grow to hate me, or think I'm going crazy. I do need
help. I don't know what's wrong with me. See, things at home aren't good.
My dad abuses me, emotionally. So maybe that's what's wrong with me. I just
need help. I want to be normal. A normal 14 year old girl, going out with
friend, meeting different guys and having fun, laughing and having
sleepovers and gossiping about this and that. Instead, I'm setting in my
room, no friends, no sleepovers to attend, just sitting there thinking
"What if." What if I was normal? What kind of life would I be
leading today? Please help me. Pray for me, anything. I'm scared to tell my
mom. Scared of what she would say, think, or tell others and what they
would say or think. Espcially my dad. He would laugh. And say I have a
mental problem. I know I do. I don't need to be reminded constantly. I just
need help. I need a friend, someone to help me through this. :(
Mar 25, 2009 7:06 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
Oh, Dana, my heart goes out to you! And, I admire you for recognizing that
you need help and that your dad is emotionally abusive. You're very
insightful.
A few things come to my mind:
1. I grew
up with a mentally ill mother, and I ALWAYS wanted to "just be
normal." But I didn't know what normal was -- and as a grown adult, I
keep learning that there is no NORMAL. We're all messed up in little ways;
some people just hide it better than others. But normal isn't something to
strive for. It's overrated and unachievable; nobody really knows what
normal is! How can you be something that you can't define? But, that
said, if your behavior, thoughts, or emotions are destructive or hurting
yourself or others, then it's not normal -- and it needs to be dealt
with.
2. You probably aren't mentally ill - you may just be
struggling with tons of teenage hormones that make your mood fluctuate all
over the place, and make you overreact to things, like your boyfriend
talking to other girls. Hormones are chemicals that do crazy things to our
moods, reactions, bodies - you've heard of PMS, right? That's due in part
to hormones. So, you may not be showing signs of mental illness.....you may
just be a normal teen, coping with normal circumstances. And no matter how
normal people are, they still overreact sometimes! It's just part of being
human.
3. The worst thing to do when you're dealing with
anything difficult in life is to NOT talk to people about it. When you talk
about your feelings and thoughts, you often realize that they aren't as
"bad" as you thought -- just saying things out loud can make you
feel better, and help you realize that you're going to be okay. Plus,
talking about it allows others to say "Hey! I've been there too, I
know EXACTLY what you're talking about! Here's what worked for
me....". If you really, really don't want to talk to your mom, talk
to the guidance counselor, a favorite teacher, your pastor, your friend's
mom, your aunt, or any adult you trust.
To find out if you're
struggling with a mental illness or just dealing with your own personality
traits, which sometimes lead to overreacting to stuff, you need to talk to
a counselor or doctor. I can't tell you what you need to know, because I
don't know you.....but you need to talk to someone in person.
It's scary - but, what's worse? Avoiding your problems, or dealing with
them? (many people people choose avoidance, which leads to worse
problems!).
Do update me, Laurie
Apr 2, 2009 6:13 PM
Guest
:
Hi. I am a 16 year old girl and i need some help. Since i was younger,
sometimes at night when i try to go to sleep, i feel very heay and then i
start to hear alot of voices in my head, the tempo of some are very fast,
and the others, the tempo is very slow. When i get up and walk, there is a
big thud in my head every time i take a step, then the voices continue. If
anyone talks to me when this happens, there voice sounds very loud and the
tempo is very fast. Things seem either very close or very far away. This
sometimes happens in the daytime too. When i walk places, when i hear
people laugh, i always think they are laughing at me and think that people
are going to batter me as they did until i was 13 years old. I keep getting
sharp pains in both sides of my head and keep wakung up feeling dizzy. I
have a very short temper and sometimes end up hitting things like walls and
doors. I lose my concentration very easily and always have to fidget with
something. I am also always very hyperactive all the time but i sometimes
feel down for unknown reasons. Please could anyone help me? I don't want to
go to a doctor because i hate them and i think that they will think i am
crazy. Thankyou to anyone who can help me.
Apr 3, 2009 6:36 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
If you find the right doctor, he/she won't think you're crazy -- but he'll
be able to help you deal with whatever's happening!
A medical
condition or mental health issue can't be diagnosed and treated over the
internet. You need to set aside your feelings about doctors, and get the
help you need -- otherwise you could be dealing with this for the rest of
your life.
I encourage you to talk to an adult you trust, and
ask for their help in making an appointment with someone.
Let
me know when you do this -- I'd love an update!
All best, Laurie
Apr 4, 2009 4:05 PM
Guest
:
Hi there, I am worried there is something wrong with me. I have lost all
interest in a job I used to love, I have made up stuff to get out of going
in and when I do go I am almost always late. I have had trouble sleeping
for a long time but I am just getting less and less these days. I
frequently take double my dosage of painkillers which I know is stupid but
I can't seem to stop. I also have a problem with hurting my cats. It
absolutely disgusts me that I do it and it is not a malicious thing, if one
of them scratches or claws me, I tend to hit them. I hate that I do it and
I break down after I have but again I can't seem to stop. I don't hurt
myself but I do think about it and I have done in the past. I suffered
from depression as a teenager but I thought I had grown out of it, I am 27
now. I was in a two year abusive relationship which ended like 5 years ago.
I have tried talking through some of these issues with my doctor but he
seems unwilling to do anything about them, he just keeps telling me to
stick it out for another 6 months and then we'll see. I am worried
that there is something really wrong with me, what should I do? Please
help!
Apr 5, 2009 8:35 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
Don't ignore these signs of depression and unhappiness any more! I can see
letting it go for 3 or maybe 6 months, but it's time to take action.
You have several options, such as seeing a different doctor,
reading up on depression, taking an online depression test, talking to a
counselor, or calling a distress or help line for guidance. Also, telling
a close friend or family member how you feel and how you've been reacting
to your cats is really important! It's so healthy to talk about stuff --
and the less you want to talk about it, the more important it is to get it
out.
I also suggest filling your life with things you love to do
-- from the big stuff (travel, changing jobs, moving to a new city) to the
little things (taking a class, taking up old hobbies, going on a day-long
road trip).
After you've taken a step or two towards solving
your problems, let me know how things go! It might be easier than you
think to get yourself back to "normal".......
Apr 19, 2009 9:33 PM
Guest
:
I am so worried abouth my son; he is 18 years old, and he was diagnosed
with schizofrenia.He does not want to go to the doctor.He lives on the
streets.He hurts himsself. he talks abouth dying.he believes that I want to
hurt him. I dont know wht to do. How can I help him?
Apr 20, 2009 6:04 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
I've heard that the majority of the people living on the streets struggle
with mental illness - and schizophrenia is one of the more common ones.
I'm sorry your son is dealing with it; it's such a tough disease!
Please call your local experts, who run the drop in centers, food banks,
soup kitchens, and shelters. I don't know what services are available in
your area, but the people who work there would have a good idea of how you
can help your son.
Trying to reason with him or coerce him into
getting help may not be effective, because he may not be thinking
rationally. As far as he's concerned, he's behaving normally and everyone
else is having problems! It's hard to break through that type of
thinking.
I'd also suggest finding a schizophrenia support
group, and meeting with them regularly. You need to be with people who are
dealing with similar situations, and to talk your feelings through! They'd
also be a good source of ideas or ways to help your son.
I hope
this helps a little, and wish you the best of luck. Do let me know how
you're getting on.
Laurie
May 25, 2009 9:50 AM
Guest
:
if everyone was without any one of these "disorders" wouldn't the
world seem a little like I-Robot?
May 26, 2009 1:39 PM
Guest
:
Hi I have grown up with mental illness in my family and My ex-husband has
sever anger issues that has landed him in jail a few times. Now to the
problem, my 16 year old son is displaying explosive anger over the
smallest things. He screams at me to "F" off, punches things,
breaks stuff, then he cries and feels shameful. When he is angry he scares
me, when he is not angry he is such a delight that is hard to believe that
he could ever be angry. Its alarming because it the same person but the
extreme changes in behavior would make one think its a totally different
person. These outburst are becoming more frequent, at least once a day, is
this normal behavior for a teen or should I take him to see a doctor.
May 26, 2009 3:20 PM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
Teens are more prone to emotional outbursts because of their hormone
fluctuations, but your son's outbursts seem uncontrollable and frightening.
That, and the fact that they're increasing in frequency, make me think
that seeing a doctor or counselor would be wise -- especially in light of
your ex-husband's anger issues.
It's always better to be safe
than sorry. Take him in for a little check up -- and if it's normal
behavior for a teen, that's great! You'll just live it out. But if it's
not, you'll be able to deal with it now, before it escalates.
Best of luck, Laurie
Jun 3, 2009 7:39 AM
Guest
:
Hassan: hey we have to do a research in school about suicide., can i
have an idea for presenting it infront of the teacher and friends., and
about (Misciellaneous) in general.
Jun 19, 2009 3:26 PM
Guest
:
my friend is 19 and has had many things in his past that he has resentment
to and has had quite a few relationship problems. he tends to get very
attached to a girl really quick, most of the time too quick so the girl
leaves him. he is anxious to find the right girl, get married, have kids
and settle down. when his past relationships have failed he feels his whole
world comes crashing down which causes him to only see the bad in his life
which makes him feel very depressed and alone. he has said he wants to die
many times. he sais he wants it all to end. he's even given me a goodbye
note. but he has not attempted suicide and he does not hurt himself. he
thinks music somehow speaks to him and the television sends him hidden
messages. i always try talking to him by making him feel cared about and
wanted. i try to make him realize everything he has. it usually works but
not for long. Is there anything else i can do for him or is it beyond
anything i can do?
Jun 20, 2009 9:34 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
You're being a good friend! You're supportive and caring, which goes a long
way.
However, not only is your friend showing signs of mental
illness - it sounds a little like he's showing symptoms schizophrenia.
He'd need to see a doctor in person to make a diagnosism though.
For any mental illness, support and friendship is wonderful! But, it
can't treat the underlying mental health issue, as you're finding with your
friend.
I suggest talking to his parents -- or, even better,
persuading him to see a doctor. But sometimes a person struggling with
mental illness isn't eager to see the doctor, which is where parents,
partners, or other family members come in.
Again, you're being a
good friend! But, I caution you not to ignore his good-bye notes or signs
of mental illness, because he could do something destructive.
Another option is to call a local distress line or suicide helpline.
They'll be able to tell you what resources for mental illness exist in your
area.
Good luck! Let me know how things go.
Laurie
Jun 21, 2009 6:02 PM
Guest
:
i think something might be wrong with my 9 year old daughter. She is
showing signs of puberty. But she has also began behaving strangely. She
doesn't communicate verbally like she used to. She has a hearing deficit
but is fine with her hearing aids in. This evening she completely closed
down and her pupils became large, and her eyelids where drooping half way.
When trying to talk to her it was like no one was home. Our ins. does not
pay for mental health. could this be hormone related, or is this normal
for a 9 year old to just shut down. Other family members have also
noticed a social change in her "she behaves wierd" they say.
Almost like a three year old at times. She is a very good student, and has
participated in several camps this summer doing well with all. your input
would be greatly appreciated thank you c. bosch
Jun 22, 2009 6:03 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
I suggest taking your daughter to your family doctor or a school
pychologist. The only way to know for sure what she's going through -
whether it's pre-teen angst, a physical health condition, or a mental
illness - is to get a professional opinion. The sooner you figure out
what's going on, the better able you'll be to find the best treatment.
Good luck, and do let me know what the doctor or counselor says, Laurie
Jun 26, 2009 8:44 AM
Guest
:
i am 21 and lately i have been feeling like i can not do anything right.
its like my mind is not functioning correctly. i can not remember anything
and i have found it increasingly hard to focus on anything. i am supposed
to be writing an essay right now, but i just can't focus. i have been
feeling a little depressed here lately also. when i was 15 i was diagnosed
with depression, but i stopped taking the medicine when i was 16. i hated
the way i felt. also i have been losing my temper at the smallest things
lately and every little thing makes me cry like the world is ending. i have
no insurence and i can not afford a doctor right now. do you have any idea
what is wrong with me?
Jun 26, 2009 10:54 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
I'm sorry -- it's impossible for anyone to tell you what's wrong over the
internet, without actually seeing you! Even doctors should do this, because
it's unethical. There are too many things that are going on, and it's so
difficult to get a sense of all those things over the internet.
Something to consider: your symptoms may not be "signs of mental
illness" as such. Are you eating properly? Getting the proper
nutrients and vitamins every day is CRUCIAL to your mental and emotional
health! If you're not eating a balanced diet and drinking enough water,
you'll feel confused, sluggish, unhealthy, fatigued, and generally bad all
over. Even some signs of depression are caused by not eating properly.
I'm not saying that all you need to do is eat well, and your
problems will disappear. Rather, I'm pointing out that you need to see
someone in person!
There are free clinics and distress lines; I
suggest you look for those types of in-person support in your area. You're
clearly struggling with something, and it could be mild depression or
anxiety -- or it could be lack of nutrients. I wish you could afford to see
a doctor! But again -- the free resources may be helpful to you.
I wish I could be more helpful, and encourage you to take a look at your
diet, sleep, and lifestyle habits. Do come back and let me know how you are
-- and try to find free support in your community!
