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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffSigns and symptoms of mental illness can vary greatly depending on the particular disorder and your age, among other factors. Symptoms also can be related to emotions, thoughts (cognitive), behavior or physical issues.
Emotional, behavioral and cognitive symptoms
Emotional, behavioral and cognitive symptoms of mental illness may include:
- Feeling sad or down
- Confused thinking
- Excessive fears or worries
- Withdrawal from friends and activities
- Problems sleeping
- Delusions or hallucinations
- Inability to cope with daily problems or stress
- Alcohol or substance abuse
- Significant changes in eating habits
- Sex drive changes
- Excessive anger, hostility or violence
Physical symptoms
Physical symptoms of mental illness may include:
- Numerous unexplained physical problems
- Fatigue
- Back pain
- Chest pain
- Digestive problems
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Sweating
- Weight gain or loss
- Rapid heart rate
- Dizziness
Putting symptoms into context
When exactly a symptom indicates a mental illness isn't black and white. For instance, what's considered an excessive fear, say of spiders or public speaking, can vary from person to person. And in some cultures and situations, certain behaviors or thoughts may be considered normal, while in other situations they may be considered abnormal.
In general, signs and symptoms may indicate a mental illness when they cause you distress and they interfere with your ability to function in your daily life. You may have trouble coping with emotions, stress or anger, for examples. Or you may find it difficult to handle family, work or school responsibilities.
With some types of mental illness, though, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, you may not realize the extent of your problems — instead, it may be family or friends who are aware that you may have a mental illness.
When to see a doctor
If you have any signs or symptoms of a mental illness, see your doctor, mental health provider or other health professional. Most mental illnesses don't get better on their own, and if untreated, they may get worse over time and cause significant problems in your life.
When you have suicidal thoughts
Suicidal thoughts and behavior are common with some mental illnesses. If you're considering suicide right now and have the means available, talk to someone immediately. The best choice is to call 911 or your local emergency services number. If you simply don't want to do that, for whatever reason, you have other choices for reaching out to someone:
- Contact a family member or friend.
- Contact a doctor, mental health provider or other health care professional.
- Contact a minister, spiritual leader or someone in your faith community.
- Go to your local hospital emergency room.
- Call a crisis center or hot line.
Helping a loved one
If you have a loved one who you think may have symptoms of mental illness, have an open and honest discussion about your concerns. You may not be able to force someone to seek professional care, but you can offer encouragement and support. You can also help your loved one find a qualified doctor or mental health provider and make an appointment. You may even be able to go to an appointment with him or her. If you have a loved one who has harmed himself or herself, or is seriously considering doing so, take him or her to the hospital or call for emergency help.
