Recognizing the Warning Signs of Mental Illness
Most people believe that mental disorders are rare and "happen
to someone else." In fact, mental disorders are common and
widespread. They can strike anyone at any time. An estimated 51
million Americans suffer from some form of mental disorder in a
given year. Sharing a home with someone who has a mental illness
may be difficult and stressful. Most families are not prepared to
cope with this situation. It can be physically and emotionally
trying, and can make us feel vulnerable to the opinions and
judgments of others. If you think you or someone you know may have
a mental or emotional problem, it is important to keep in mind the
following:
What is Mental Illness?
A mental illness is a disease that causes mild to severe
disturbances in thought and/or behavior, resulting in an inability
to cope with life’s ordinary demands and routines.
There are more than 200 classified forms of mental illness. Some of
the more common disorders are depression, bipolar disorder,
dementia, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders. Symptoms may include
changes in mood, personality, personal habits and/or social
withdrawal.
Mental health problems may be related to excessive stress due to a
particular situation or series of events. As with cancer, diabetes
and heart disease, mental illnesses are often physical as well as
emotional and psychological. Mental illnesses may be caused by a
reaction to environmental stresses, genetic factors, biochemical
imbalances, or a combination of these. With proper care and
treatment many individuals learn to cope or recover from a mental
illness or emotional disorder.
Warning Signs of Mental Illness in Adults Include:
Warning Signs of Mental Illness in Younger Children:
Warning Signs of Mental Illness in Older Children and
Pre-Adolescents
Despite the different symptoms and types of mental illnesses,
many families share similar experiences.
Do You Find Yourself:
Today, research tells us that many mental illnesses are caused
by a variety of reasons. Find out all you can about your loved
one's illness by reading and talking with mental health
professionals.
How to Cope Day-to-Day
Handling unusual behavior
The outward signs of a mental illness are often behavioral.
Individuals may be extremely quiet or withdrawn. Conversely, he or
she may burst into tears or have outbursts of anger. Even after
treatment has started, individuals with a mental illness can
exhibit anti-social behaviors. When in public, these behaviors can
be embarrassing and difficult to accept. Try to be patient and
remember that the person probably cannot control his or her
actions. Calmly try and move to a private location until the
episode is over. The next time you and your family member visit
your doctor, discuss these behaviors and develop a strategy for
coping.
Establishing a support network
If you feel you cannot discuss your situation with friends or
other family members, find a self-0help or support group. These
groups provide an opportunity for you to talk to other people who
are experiencing the same type of problems. They can listen and
offer valuable advice.
Seeking counseling
It is likely that the family member with the mental illness is
seeing a therapist or counselor. Therapy can also be beneficial for
family members. The therapist can suggest ways to cope and better
understand your loved one's illness. When looking for a therapist,
be patient and talk to a few therapists so you can choose the
person that is right for you and your family. It may take time
until you are comfortable with the therapist, but in the long run
you will be glad you sought help.
Taking time out
It is common for the person with the mental illness to become
the focus of family life. When this happens, other members of the
family may feel ignored, annoyed and resentful. Some may find it
difficult to pursue their own interests.
If you are the caretaker, you may need some time to rest. Schedule
time away before you become frustrated or angry. If you schedule
time for yourself it will help you to keep things in perspective
and you may have more patience and compassion for coping or helping
your loved one.
You have feelings too
Remember, the burden of caring for a person 24-hours a day can
be exhausting and unpredictable, even frightening. Take time for
yourself, seek respite care'and the support and help of family and
friends. Only when you are physically and emotionally healthy can
you help others. It is not always possible to be patient and giving
all the time. There are times when you may be tired, angry, or
resentful. Accept these feelings and go easy on yourself.
Inpatient care
There are many reasons why it may be necessary to hospitalize
the family member with a mental illness. Medications may need to be
adjusted under close supervision, or a different course of
treatment may be necessary. At these times it is not only the
individual with the illness who must make changes, but also the
family. Take time to re-focus, develop a new routine and plan for
your loved one's return.
Don't give up too soon
Recovery from a mental illness takes time, months or even years.
Don't be discouraged by temporary setbacks, and try not to blame
yourself when things go wrong.
Mental Illness in the Family: Part 1 Recognizing the Warning Signs
& How to Cope is one in a series of pamphlets on helping family
members with mental illness. Other NMHA titles include:
Mental
Illness in the Family:Part II Guidelines for Seeking Care
Mental
Illness in the Family: Part III Guidelines for
Hospitalization
NMHA offers additional pamphlets on a variety of mental health
topics. For more information or to order multiple copies of
pamphlets, please call 1-800-969-NMHA. This pamphlet is
copyrighted. Permission to reprint must be obtained from the NMHA.
Copyright 1997 Revised 2/00
For more information contact your local Mental Health Association,
community mental health center, or:
National Mental
Health Association
2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone 703/684-7722
Fax 703/684-5968
Mental Health Resource Center 800/969-NMHA
TTY Line 800/433-5959
Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS)
Knowledge Exchange Network
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 13-103
Rockville, MD 20857
Phone 800-789-2647
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Phone 800-374-2721 or 202-336-5500
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
200 N Glebe Road, Ste. 1015
Arlington, VA 22203-3457
Phone 800-950-6264 or 703-524-7600
American Psychiatric Association
1400 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
Phone 888-357-7924
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Information Resources and Inquiries Branch
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 7C-02
Rockville, MD 20857
Phone 301-443-4513
NMHA's Campaign for
America's Mental Health works to raise awareness that mental
illnesses are common, real and treatable illnesses and ensure that
those most at-risk receive proper, timely and effective
treatment.
