5 Mental Illness Signs You Should Not Ignore

The Importance of Mental Health

If you are living under a rock, the World is currently going through a pandemic, fighting a virus called Coronavirus, also known as Covid-19. Covid-19 has affected all of us, some have lost loved ones and jobs. We have been battling this virus for about a year now, most of us isolating ourselves, not knowing when this will all end. The World Health Organization (WHO) surveyed 130 countries regarding the impact of Covid-19 on Mental Health. The demand of Mental Health is increasing, as 93% of countries worldwide are disrupted by the pandemic. The fear, bereavement, loss of job or income, and isolation are the main triggers of the significant increase in Mental Health Disorders, such as the excessive use of drugs and alcohol, anxiety disorder, major depression, phobias, insomnia and suicide attempts. Individuals with pre-existing Mental Health Disorders are more vulnerable to Covid-19, as they face a higher risk of severe outcomes and maybe even death.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO stated:

“Good mental health is absolutely fundamental to overall health and well-being. Covid-19 has interrupted essential mental health services around the world just when they’re needed the most.”

Mental Health is very important, it affects the way we think, feel and act. Essentially, it determines the way we interact with others, how we deal with stress and the decisions we make. Especially with the pandemic going on right now, it is crucial to understand and be aware of our Mental Health, to ensure we take care of both our minds and bodies. Thus, here are the 5 Mental Illness Signs You Should Not Ignore.

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Feeling down should not last more than 2 weeks

I would just like to mention that it is completely normal to feel sad from time to time. I mean, we are all human beings and that feeling sad is a part of it. Especially with the whole pandemic going on, it is very easy to feel sad about literally anything, such as feeling sad about how you can’t hang out with your friends like you used to, not being able to travel and losing your job or a loved one. So, it is completely normal. However, according to the American Psychiatric Association and National Institute of Mental Health, if you feel sad for more than 2 weeks or if it gets worse, it is a serious sign of depression and should not be ignored. Depression is a huge topic in Mental Health, as it can increase the risk of suicide.

There are a couple ways to snap out of the feeling of sadness. First, you would have to be aware and accept that it is alright to feel sad. Whenever I feel down, I will not immediately try to snap out of it, as I would allow myself to be sad for a couple days. After that, simply try to listen to upbeat music, surround yourself with friends and family. Go talk to your best friend or your mother, just go crazy on them, allowing yourself to vent and just complain about anything that is bothering you, letting it all out. And the last thing is probably something not everyone enjoys, exercise. Either go for a workout, a run or a walk around your neighborhood. These are just some ways I personally think can help you snap out of feeling down.

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Anxiety Disorder

If you constantly worry and cannot seem to stop, it is a sign that you have Anxiety Disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, other signs that may suggest you have an Anxiety Disorder are having issues relaxing, insomnia, easily irritated and racing thoughts. Now, Anxiety is very common, everyone experiences anxiety, whether you feel worried or anxious about a presentation, job interview, going on a date or sitting for an exam. The Anxiety & Depression Association of American stated that if you experience the above mentioned symptoms for more than 6 months, you should probably seek help from a Mental Health Professional.

The key to managing your anxiety is to be very self-aware. If your thoughts start racing, or when you start to feel anxious, you need to be aware and try to calm yourself down. If you’re in class, or in a meeting, just step out, take a time-out, go for a walk and take deep breaths. Be aware of what is happening and do your best to calm the mind down. Aside from that, you could try to eat well-balanced meals, avoid consuming too much alcohol and caffeine, get enough sleep and try to keep yourself active. I understand that not everyone is open to seeing a Mental Health Professional, but if you are unable to help yourself, it is completely OK to allow others to, as this Mental Illness Sign is not something you should ignore.

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Isolation is a lot easier now

It is not what it sounds like. I know what you’re thinking, how is Isolation a sign of Mental Illness? Especially with all that is going on right now in the World and this amazing thing called ‘Social Media’. It is very beneficial to step-back and isolate yourself every now and then. Apparently, it can improve your memory, relationships, productivity and boost your creativity. However, if you find yourself constantly making up excuses to avoid your friends and family, it may be something you should not ignore. Mental Health Experts stated that if you constantly avoid the activities or people that you used to enjoy spending your time with, it is a sign of a Mental Illness, such as depression, anxiety or psychotic disorder.

With the pandemic going on right now, you may find yourself in isolation a lot, and may even start to like it, as it may also be perceived as the new norm in today’s society. Thanks to Covid-19, avoiding both people and events are a lot easier. However, there are many ways to connect and socialize with people. I’ve personally seen my 5 year old cousin sit through a Physical Education (P.E) via Zoom Call. He was exercising, following along with the teacher and classmates. It is a crazy world we live in now and times are changing. People have found ways to connect with one another, such as weekly drinking sessions, group workouts, at home live concerts, etc. You name it, everything is done by utilizing technology and the internet. So, do try to not keep to yourself too much and try socializing online.

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Sleeping too much or too little

I understand it is a little difficult to know whether you are getting enough sleep when you are stuck at home most of the time. Most of you guys probably work a little more than expected, eating a little later than before and sleeping past midnight. So, I do understand how hard it is to keep a routine and track of your time throughout the day. However, if you do find yourself not getting enough sleep or getting too much sleep, it may be a sign of a Mental Illness. According to the Harvard University of Medicine, about 18% of the general population have issues sleeping, whether it be insomnia or hypersomnia. Everyone is different, but 7–9 hours of sleep is sufficient for an average individual. Roughly 50% of individuals that suffer from ADHD, Depression, Anxiety and Bipolar Disorder have insomnia or hypersomnia.

Try to set a routine for yourself and do your very best to stick with it. Do not sleep too late or do not wake up too late. If you have trouble sleeping, you could try meditating before bed, read a book, avoid activities that would increase your heart rate, avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. I personally have trouble sleeping, as thoughts tend to rush through my head. So, I understand it is not easy. If you continue to have issues, please do consult a Medical Professional, as this is a sign you do not want to ignore.

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Anger is considered a Disorder

Everyone gets angry everyday, whether someone cheated on you, your boss asking you to work overtime, losing a game of NBA2k to your friends or that one friend that takes forever to reply to your messages. Being angry is normal, but if you find yourself having extreme anger outbursts and find it very difficult to control it, it is something you should not ignore, as it is a sign of anxiety, unresolved grief or high stress levels. Healthline also mentioned that extreme anger outbursts are possible signs of unresolved trauma, bipolar disorder, alcohol abuse, obsessive compulsive disorder or depression.

Expressing anger does not necessarily mean you have a Mental Health Disorder. Mental Health Professionals suggested to first recognize both your physical and emotional signs of anger to determine if your anger is healthy. Some of the ways to identify if you have anger issues are feeling angry too often, your anger is out of control, affects the people close to you, makes you regret the things you say or do, and become verbally or physically abusive. There are several methods to manage that anger, such as taking a time-out to calm yourself before expressing your anger or frustration, always think before you speak and identify possible solutions, utilizing humor to the situation can possibly release some tension, never hold a grudge and try to get some exercise.

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Ending it off

If you experience any of the above mentioned Mental Illness Signs , you’re not alone, as it is completely normal, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. These are just 5 signs you should not ignore, as there are other signs like the abuse of alcohol and drugs, hallucinations, schizophrenia, constant unexplained mood swings, suicide thoughts, etc. Self-awareness plays a crucial role, as being aware of these signs is the very first step. If you are unable to manage these Mental Disorder Signs yourself, please do seek a Mental Health Professional for help. Getting help from a Professional like a Therapist is very common and that everyone should actually see a Therapist, even if you do not experience any of these signs. Mental Health is very important and should not be ignored.