We don’t usually think about our mental illnesses in the same way that we do our physical illnesses, but why is that?

Imagine that one day, you wake up feeling different. You can’t quite put your finger on it, but you (or others) notice that you’re acting differently than usual. Two months later, things are still getting worse, but you haven’t asked for help yet. Maybe you think it will go away on its own eventually or that it’s not serious enough to merit seeking professional help. But the thoughts and feelings continue to bother you… So you keep it to yourself and just try to get by day-to-day, hoping it will change.

Imagine again, if you will, that you have a cough or back pain that doesn’t go away after a few days, you might start doing some research on home remedies. You might also ask friends and family for advice. If the problem still doesn’t improve, you usually go to the doctor to get it checked out.

How do I know if I need help with mental illnesses?

Although there are similarities between various mental illnesses, each one manifests differently. The symptoms an ill person experiences can also differ from individual to individual.

Many people believe that in order to have mental illnesses, you must show every possible symptom. However, this is untrue. Mental illness can range from mild to severe, and not everyone experiences the same symptoms. The best way to know if you might have a mental illness is if you or those close to you notice any changes in your thoughts, feelings, or behaviors – like some of the following:

• I suddenly don’t care about the activities I used to enjoy
• I find myself feeling angry or sad for little or no reason
• I have strange thoughts or voices that I can’t seem to get rid of
• I used to be healthy, but now I always feel a bit sick
• I eat a lot more or less than I used to
• My sleep patterns is changing
• I feel fear, worry, and terror about things in life that people around me seem to cope well with
• I’ve been missing more and more time from work or school
• I have a constant fear that someone is going to hurt me
• I’ve been drinking heavily or using drugs to cope
• I find myself avoiding people
• Sometimes I just want to end my life

Contact Us

If any of those things ring a bell to you, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will make sure that you get the help you need. There is nothing to be ashamed of or scared about, give us a call today!