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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffSigns and symptoms of mental illness can vary, depending on the particular disorder and other factors. Mental illness symptoms can affect emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Sometimes symptoms of a mental health disorder appear as physical problems.
Abnormal thinking, behavior and emotions
These types of mental illness signs and symptoms can include:
- Feeling sad or down
- Confused thinking
- Excessive fears or worries
- Withdrawal from friends and activities
- Problems sleeping
- Detachment from reality (delusions) or hallucinations
- Inability to cope with daily problems or stress
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Significant changes in eating habits
- Sex drive changes
- Excessive anger, hostility or violence
- Suicidal thinking
Physical symptoms
Physical signs and symptoms of mental illness may include:
- Fatigue
- Back pain
- Chest pain
- Digestive problems
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Sweating
- Weight gain or loss
- Rapid heart rate
- Dizziness
Is it mental illness?
Deciding when a symptom might mean you have a mental illness can be difficult. For instance, what's considered an excessive fear — for example a fear of spiders or of 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 cultures and situations they may be considered abnormal.
In general, signs and symptoms may indicate a mental illness when they make you miserable and interfere with your ability to function in your daily life. You may have trouble coping with stress, anger or other emotions. 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 members or friends who first become aware that you 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 improve on their own, and if untreated, a mental illness may get worse over time and cause significant problems.
If you have suicidal thoughts
Suicidal thoughts and behavior are common with some mental illnesses. If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, get help right away:
- Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
- Call a suicide hot line number — in the United States, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) to reach a trained counselor.
If you're feeling suicidal but you aren't immediately thinking of hurting yourself:
- Reach out to a close friend or loved one — even though you may be reluctant to talk about your feelings.
- Seek help from your doctor, a mental health provider or other health care professional.
- Contact a minister, spiritual leader or someone in your faith community.
- Call a suicide 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 with him or her 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.
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