Mental Health disorder signs, symptoms & effects

The signs and symptoms that may indicate someone has a mental health concern can vary depending on factors such as age, background and underlying conditions. Examples of symptoms include:

• Extreme changes in mood or energy level
• Sleep pattern changes (sleeping more or less than usual)
• Acting jittery
• Noticeable changes in eating patterns or weight
• Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there
• Having difficulty focusing
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Poor self-care or hygiene
• Showing little interest in activities
• Inflated or diminished self-esteem or self-confidence
• Failing to meet responsibilities at work, home or school
• Frequently talking about death or dying
• Intense anger or sadness
• Overwhelming anxiety, worry or fear
• Strong, undeserved feelings of guilt and shame
• Problems processing information
• Physical health concerns like aches and pains
• Suicidal thoughts

Noticing the signs of a mental health concern early on can help you or your loved one get the care needed to heal.

There isn’t one cause of mental health disorders. But some genetic and environmental factors can increase your risk for developing a mental health condition. Common causes and risk factors include:

• Abuse or neglect during childhood
• Major negative life changes, such as losing a job, the death of a loved one or a divorce
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Emotional, sexual or physical abuse during adulthood
• Family history of mental health disorders
• Exposure to extreme levels of stress
• Pre-birth exposure to toxins, alcohol or drugs in the womb
• Brain chemistry
• A chronic medical condition
• Social isolation, bullying or lack of friends

Mental health disorders can impact a person’s physical, emotional and social well-being. And negative effects can increase if treatment is delayed. Harmful effects of untreated mental health disorders may include:

• Strained or damaged relationships
• Poor academic achievement
• Decline in physical health
• Difficulty getting or keeping a job
• Substance abuse
• Financial difficulties
• Social isolation
• Homelessness
• Weakened immune system
• Legal problems
• Low self-esteem
• Self-harm
• Suicidal thoughts or actions
• Onset or worsening of co-occurring mental health disorders

The effects of mental illnesses can be temporary or ongoing. The length and severity of the impacts can be further complicated if you have more than one disorder at a time.

It may require attention and patience, but learning how to manage mental health disorder symptoms can lead to a healthier, fuller life. The following recommendations can help you improve and maintain your mental health:

• Notice what might trigger your symptoms: Study and get to know your triggers and stressors and reach out to a behavioral health professional if you experience mental health disorder symptoms.
• Recognize symptoms as soon as possible: Remember that mental health disorder symptoms can be easier to address in their earlier phases. Even if a symptom seems manageable and mild at first, reaching out to a mental health professional to get an expert’s feedback can be helpful.
• Try to keep stress levels low: Maintain healthy routines, eat well and remember that stress can work against you when it comes to mental health.
• Don’t blame yourself: Avoid blaming yourself or feeling shame as your symptoms come and go and increase or decrease. The symptoms of a mental health disorder have nothing to do with who you are as a person. Getting the right treatment or services can help you find compassion and understanding for yourself.
• Gather your support team: If you are experiencing mental health disorder symptoms, it may be time to research and find a team of behavioral health professionals. Understanding when to reach out for help and what kind of care would work best for you can lead to long-term mental health maintenance.
• Stay hopeful: While facing symptoms of mental health disorders can be discouraging, there is hope. Mental health disorders can be treated, and though your care needs may change over time, getting help from the right people and places can alleviate your symptoms and help you feel better.

With good strategies and support, you can manage symptoms and find long-term relief, resiliency and happiness.

When someone has more than one behavioral health condition at the same time, they have co-occurring disorders. People with co-occurring disorders may benefit from a wide range of therapies and support options delivered by a multidisciplinary team.

Patients who seek support at Geisinger Behavioral Health can receive care for multiple mental health disorders and co-occurring concerns, including addiction. Our clinically superior teams blend knowledge from many backgrounds and disciplines to help you achieve your goals for mental health and wellness.