Understanding Mental Health: Signs and Symptoms

MENTAL HEALTH SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS According to the World Health Organization: 1 in 8 People worldwide are living with a diagnosable mental illness. 1 in 5 Adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year. 1 in 6 Youth aged 6-17 are affected annually. EVERY DIAGNOSIS HAS ITS OWN SYMPTOMS, BUT HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS TO LOOK FOR: CHANGES IN Mood • Feeling sad or down for extended periods • Excessive fears or worries • Extreme mood changes, including highs and lows • Irritability and frequent arguing CHANGES IN Thinking • Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate • Difficulty understanding or relating to others • Repeated thoughts that are unrelenting and illogical • Delusions (having a belief that is not based in reality) or hallucinations (perceiving things that are not there) CHANGES IN Behavior • Avoiding social activities and friends • Changes in performance at work or school • Substance abuse (overuse of alcohol or drugs) PHYSICAL Symptoms • Changes in appetite or weight • Multiple physical ailments without clear causes (headaches, stomachaches). SLEEP Disturbances • Sleeping too little or too much • Frequent or early waking • Feeling fatigued despite getting enough sleep • Nightmares SEVERE Symptoms • Thinking about suicide or other self-harm • Thinking about harming others • Inability to carry out daily activities or handle stress Source: Cleveland Clinic If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek help from a healthcare professional. Early intervention can make a significant difference. Please reach out to your Assistance Program for more information. Visit allonehealth.com/member-support