It is not always easy to detect what counts as normal and expected behaviour and what might be a sign of a mental illness. Mental illnesses encompass a wide range of conditions, each with its own unique set of symptoms. It is important to note that symptoms can vary widely among individuals and may also change over time. A variety of factors also affect the onset of symptoms and their gravity.
Along with the symptoms, it is also important to know when to visit a professional for diagnosis and treatment. Most people avoid professional help and allow the illness to escalate. This can lead to serious consequences.
Remember the first step to treating any mental illness is to seek professional help.
Get in touch with a psychiatry clinic in Kopar Khairane today to know more about the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses.
When to consult a psychiatrist
When your behaviour and emotional health start interfering with your routine, it is time to seek professional help. If any of the signs and symptoms stay persistent for a period of more than 2 weeks, or are causing significant impairment in social, personal, and occupational life, it is advisable to seek treatment from a psychiatrist for mental illness.
Consult the best psychiatrist in Kopar Khairane today to know more about the signs and symptoms of mental illnesses.
Some common signs to look out for are-
1. Feeling excessively irritable/angry /sad
2. Difficulty in concentration at work/ forgetfulness
3. Reduced enthusiasm at work / low confidence/lack of productivity
4. Feeling fearful or anxious for no reason
5. Feeling of heart beating fast, tremors, restlessness for no reason
6. Disturbances in sleeping /eating
7. Suspiciousness or hallucinations/ hearing non-existent voices
8. Feeling thoughts of ending one’s life/ attempting suicide
9. Need deaddiction from alcohol/ tobacco or other substances 10. Behavioral problems in children / geriatric age group
Depression
Depression is a common and serious mental health condition. In this disorder, the individual feels persistently sad and experiences a loss of interest even in the activities that were once enjoyable. Depression is a treatable condition and the line of treatment involves counselling, medication, and other brain stimulation therapies. Some common symptoms of depression are-
- Persistent sadness or low mood
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleep)
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide
Anxiety Disorders
When high levels of fear and anxiety trigger you to avoid situations and start affecting your work performance, personal relationships, and general behaviour, it is called anxiety disorder.
There are many different types of anxiety disorders such as Panic Disorder, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Phobia, and so on. Anxiety disorders can be treated with psychotherapy and medication. Here are the common signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders-
- Excessive worry or fear
- Restlessness or feeling on edge
- Irritability or agitation
- Panic attacks (sudden episodes of intense fear)
- Avoidance of certain situations or places
- Difficulty sleeping
- Muscle tension
- Racing thoughts or difficulty concentrating
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes extreme changes in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function. When these unusual shifts start causing problems in day-to-day activities, it needs professional treatment. Here are a few common signs of bipolar disorder-
- Periods of elevated mood or mania (increased energy, racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem)
- Periods of depression (as described earlier)
- Rapid mood swings between mania and depression
- Decreased need for sleep during manic episodes
- Impulsive or risky behaviours
- Poor judgment or decision-making
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder in which people lose touch with reality. The patients interpret reality abnormally which affects the way they feel, behave, and think. Some common symptoms of schizophrenia are-
- Delusions (Fixed false beliefs)
- Hallucinations (Perceiving things that aren’t there)
- Disorganized thinking and speech
- Lack of motivation or interest in activities
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Impaired cognitive functioning (Memory problems, difficulty concentrating)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or OCD is a condition in which the patient has recurring and uncontrollable thoughts. This often causes them to perform repetitive behaviour. OCD symptoms can come and go but the condition is chronic in most cases. Here are a few common signs of OCD-
- Intrusive, unwanted, and recurring thoughts (Obsessions)
- Repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed to alleviate anxiety (Compulsions)
- Fear of contamination or germs
- Excessive concern with symmetry, order, or exactness
Persistent doubts or need for reassurance
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is a mental health condition that occurs after a person has experienced a shocking or traumatic event or series of such events in life. This condition can occur due to natural disasters, terrorist acts, loss of a loved one, historical trauma, sexual assault, and so on. Some common signs and symptoms of PTSD are-
- Flashbacks or intrusive memories of a traumatic event
- Avoidance of reminders or triggers associated with the trauma
- Hyperarousal and exaggerated startle response
- Nightmares or sleep disturbances
- Negative changes in mood and cognition
Emotional numbness or detachment
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are of different types and each type has specific symptoms. In totality, an eating disorder causes several psychological conditions which result in unhealthy eating habits. People suffering from eating disorders can get obsessed with their body shape, body weight, and food. Here are the symptoms of eating disorders-
- Distorted body image and preoccupation with weight or shape
- Intense fear of gaining weight
- Restrictive eating patterns or extreme caloric intake
- Binge eating followed by purging (in bulimia nervosa)
- Excessive exercise related to weight or body image
It’s important to remember that apart from the symptoms mentioned in this list, mental illnesses can show signs in various other ways. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms that are causing distress or impacting daily functioning, it’s essential to seek professional help. Consult with the best psychiatrist in Kopar Khairane- Dr Parth Nagda. Book an appointment at our psychiatry clinic in Kopar Khairane today for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Top of Form