9 Important Signs of Mental Health Issues | Alliance Home Care VNA

9 Important Signs of Mental Health Issues

Learning the signs of a mental health issue could greatly help a friend or family member who is having difficulty with their mental health. Here are nine signs to reassure you that seeking more information regarding your concerns might be worth it.

If you are ever concerned that a loved one may be at risk of self-harm or suicide, call 911 and ask for immediate assistance. In-home psychiatric care is also a tool that your loved one could greatly benefit from if suffering from these symptoms. Here are some warning signs the team from Alliance Homecare VNA has collected for you!

1. Feeling depressed or unhappy

Signs of depression include being sad or moody for weeks or more, loss of interest in leisurely activities, a lack of energy and motivation, or being near tears all the time.

2. Feeling anxious or worried

Stress and worry are common feelings. However, constant interfering worry could be a sign of anxiety that might indicate a mental health disorder. Other signs of anxiety might include shortness of breath, heart palpitations, trembling, sweating, feeling dizzy, headache, diarrhea, racing thoughts, or restlessness.

3. Sleep problems

Persistent changes to one’s sleep patterns could be a sign of a mental health disorder. For instance, sleeping too little or too much could be a sign of a sleeping disorder or depression. Substance abuse or anxiety could indicate insomnia.

4. Weight or appetite changes

Rapid, fluctuating changes in weight in some could be a sign of an eating disorder or depression, indicating a mental health disorder.

5. Feeling guilty or worthless

If your loved one is frequently criticizing or blaming themselves, they may need help. If this is severe, a person may become suicidal and voice a feeling to hurt or kill themselves. Immediately call 911 for help.

6. Emotional outbursts

Extreme distress or anger along with other drastic changes in mood can indicate mental illness.

7. Feeling quiet or withdrawn

Withdrawing from life with continual self-isolation and refusal to be in social settings could be a symptom of depression, a psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, or another mental health disorder. This could mean that your loved one might need help.

8. Substance abuse

Abusing substances such as drugs and alcohol can indicate a mental health disorder, and even contribute to it.

9. Changes in behavior or feelings

If a person’s thoughts, feelings, and mannerisms are gradually changing, this could be indicative of a mental health issue. If these changes persist, it is critical to seek help.

Contact us today for in-home psychiatric care and more!

If your friend or loved one is suffering from these symptoms, it may be worth seeking further help to address your concerns. You can also learn more about in-home psychiatric nursing care by contacting our staff at Alliance Homecare VNA!