When mental illness affects your loved ones, it can be difficult to know what to do. Spotting the signs of mental illness in a loved one is essential in order to help them get the treatment they need. Here are some tips on how to spot the signs of mental illness in your loved ones.
1. Monitor Their Moods
One of the most important things to look out for is your loved one’s mood. Changes in their mood can be an early sign of mental illness. If your loved one is normally upbeat, but suddenly seems depressed or anxious, this could be a sign of mental illness. Similarly, if your loved one is normally laid back, but has become unusually irritable or aggressive, this could also be a sign of something more serious.
2. Look for Changes in Behavior
Mental illness can manifest itself in changes in behavior. If your loved one is suddenly exhibiting behaviors that are out of character for them, such as isolation, substance abuse, excessive risk-taking, or sleeping too much or too little, these could all be signs that something is wrong. Paying attention to changes in your loved one’s behavior can help you spot the signs of mental illness early on.
3. Watch for Changes in Their Appearance
It’s easy to overlook changes in appearance when trying to spot the signs of mental illness, but they can be very telling. If your loved one has suddenly started to neglect their personal hygiene, this can be a sign that something is wrong. Likewise, if they have suddenly changed their appearance drastically, such as shaving their head or drastically altering their wardrobe, this too can be a sign of mental illness.
4. Listen to Their Conversations
This may seem like an obvious one, but it is often overlooked. Listening to what your loved one is saying can be a great way to spot the signs of mental illness. If they are talking about feeling hopeless or having thoughts of suicide, this should be taken very seriously. Other signs to look out for are if they are talking about feeling overwhelmed or like they can’t cope, or if they are talking about feeling disconnected from reality.
5. Seek Professional Help
If you are worried that your loved one may be struggling with a mental health issue, the best thing you can do is to seek professional help. Mental health professionals are trained to identify and treat mental illness, and they can help you and your loved one get the support and treatment that is needed.
Spotting the signs of mental illness in a loved one can be difficult, but it is an important step in helping them get the treatment they need. By monitoring their moods, looking for changes in behavior, watching for changes in their appearance, listening to their conversations, and seeking professional help, you can help your loved one get the help they need.
