Mental health is an essential component of overall well-being that influences our thinking, feeling, and actions. Just as physical health requires attention, so does our mental health. However, recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental health issues can be challenging, as they often present differently for each individual. This article will delve into the various mental health conditions, offering insights into identifying symptoms, understanding the diagnosis process, and discussing treatment options.

In this article, we’ll explore the common signs and symptoms of mental health conditions while highlighting the importance of seeking professional help when needed. 

Plus by APN exists to help you navigate mental challenges while supporting overall physical health, recovery, and well-being. If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulty with mental health, our team of professionals is here to help you seek better days. For those looking for local mental health services, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a valuable resource.

Key Takeaways

  1. Recognizing Mental Health Issues: Identifying the signs of mental health problems is essential for timely intervention. Common indicators include persistent sadness, excessive worry, sleep disturbances, significant changes in appetite or weight, and recurring intrusive thoughts.
  2. Importance of Professional Help: Addressing mental health conditions requires professional support. Plus by APN provides comprehensive care that includes traditional therapies, groundbreaking alternative treatments, and supportive counseling to help individuals navigate their mental health journey.
  3. Impact of Mental Health on Daily Life: Mental health issues can significantly affect one’s daily functioning and relationships. Understanding and managing these conditions can lead to improved quality of life and better interpersonal relationships.
  4. Breaking the Stigma: Open discussions about mental health can demystify these conditions and encourage more people to seek help. It’s crucial to challenge the stigma associated with mental health issues to ensure those affected feel supported in seeking help.

Sadness, Hopelessness, or Emptiness

It’s normal to feel sad every once in a while, but for some people, sadness feels more pervasive. If you feel constantly distracted from happy moments or struggle to find fulfillment – especially when it comes to activities you used to enjoy – it might be time to ask for help.

Consistent feelings of hopelessness can manifest as fatigue or an inability to concentrate or make decisions. They can also cause someone to experience feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt – perhaps your friends and family have noticed you’re not quite yourself. 

Chronic feelings of sadness can significantly impact daily life, so it’s important to seek professional guidance when needed. These feelings can also be symptoms of a mental health condition, like depression or bipolar disorder. A professional diagnosis can help you itemize your symptoms and get the support you need.

Excessive Worry, Fear, or Nervousness

Another feeling or experience that may indicate a mental health concern is excessive worry, fear, or nervousness, which are signs of a broader mental health problem. While most people feel anxious before a momentous occasion – like a big test, game, or performance – it’s not typical to feel this way on a daily basis. Excessive worry about everyday issues can also impact a person’s physical health, by causing muscle tension and fatigue.

Having excessive worry, fear, or nervousness can escalate, causing unexpected panic attacks, resulting in physical symptoms like heart palpitations, sweating, and trembling. 

Alternatively, anxiety can manifest as an intense fear of specific objects or situations, such as heights, flying, or animals, or it can even be the fear of being judged or scrutinized by others. If you’re constantly feeling like your heart is about to jump out of your chest, talking to a professional about your mental health can help you find relief.

Sleep Disturbances

Believe it or not, sleep disturbances can actually be signs of mental illness and an indication of a mental health issue. Recognizing the signs early on, such as insomnia (not being able to sleep) or, on the opposite side of the spectrum, oversleeping, is crucial. 

Some mental health conditions may cause individuals to experience intense periods of energy, elevated mood, impulsivity, and a decreased need for sleep. Alternatively, some people struggle with oversleeping and not wanting to get out of bed to eat, work, or be around others.

A consistent sleep routine provides a solid foundation for optimal physical and mental wellness; most people require about eight hours of sleep per night. If you or someone you know is having difficulty with healthy sleeping habits, it’s important to speak to a health professional for clarity and guidance.

Changes in Appetite or Weight

Just like a healthy sleep routine, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for supporting mental wellness. While everyone’s weight generally fluctuates about 5-10 pounds throughout the year, drastic changes in weight or appetite may be the sign of a more pressing imbalance. 

Of course, lifestyle changes can sometimes trigger weight changes, and for some people, losing or gaining a significant amount of weight may be necessary to reach a healthy weight in the first place. However, if your doctor considered your previous weight healthy and it’s now changing – often at a rapid rate – it’s time to talk to a professional.

Another way that changes in appetite or weight can manifest as a mental health concern is through an intense fear of gaining weight, leading to restrictive eating and distorted body image. Eating disorders can manifest itself as episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or fasting. 

These behaviors are certainly cause for concern and an indication to speak to someone right away; if you struggle with disordered eating habits, you deserve help and professional support. Eating disorders, as with any other condition, are nothing to be ashamed of – they’re usually a symptom of an imbalance, and they can be managed like any other condition.

Obsessions, Compulsions, and Intrusive Thoughts

Experiencing frequent obsessions and compulsions can be another indicator of a mental health condition. Unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images can cause overwhelming distress and trigger. disruptive, repetitive behaviors known as compulsions

While most people can appreciate a clean house or equal symmetry, cleaning or “fixing” things so much that they interfere with daily life is not typical behavior. Suppose repetitive thoughts or actions are keeping you from family, friends, work, obligations, or things that you otherwise enjoy. In that case, it might be time to consider speaking with a mental health professional.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder goes beyond a penchant for organization and a dislike for mess – people with OCD may struggle with violent thoughts or all-consuming stress if a routine is disrupted. 

Again, we want to emphasize that struggling with these thoughts and behaviors is not shameful – mental health conditions are treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. If any of the symptoms listed in this article resonate with you, please know that support is available, and you are worthy of help.

Distressing Memories, Often Causing an Exaggerated Response

Everyone has bad days, and memories of bad times, but there’s a difference between remembering a bad day you had and reliving a traumatic event over and over again. 

If you find yourself experiencing distressing memories, including nightmares or flashbacks of a traumatic event, you may need to seek some professional guidance. While it’s common to want to avoid talking about traumatic things or anything that reminds you of the event, it’s important to remember that seeking help is the first step toward recovery.

 Avoidance can even be a symptom of a mental health condition. Trauma-informed treatment with a mental health professional can help you process triggering memories in a safe and healthy way that supports your long-term mental health goals.

Left untreated, distressing memories can cause a range of issues from irritability and anger outbursts, to difficulty concentrating and an exaggerated startle response. Talking to someone about what you’re going through can help you find new tools to move through the pain and process trauma using a format and timeline that works for you.

Strained Relationships and Impulsive Behavior

Not everyone is going to get along, and navigating relationship challenges is a natural part of life. However, if you find yourself having frequent difficulty in relationships, an underlying mental health diagnosis may be a source of some of your struggles. 

Strained relationships and impulsive behavior can also manifest as a fluctuating sense of self-worth. The important thing to remember is that everyone is worthy of stability in their day-to-day lives and within their relationships. You may just need some extra support to help get you there.

Oftentimes, when stuck in patterns of relationship turmoil (or other mental health symptoms), people may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms to sustain themselves. This can look like impulsive decision-making, interrupting others, reckless spending, substance abuse, frequent mood swings, or other risky behaviors. 

While things might seem impossible while you’re in the middle of it all, know that help is available and things do get better with treatment.

Cognitive Dysfunction

Another way that mental illness can show up is through cognitive dysfunction. This can look like hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking or speech. 

Additionally, cognitive dysfunction may manifest itself through impaired executive functioning, difficulty paying attention, forgetfulness, brain fog, or making frequent careless mistakes.

If things suddenly become more mentally challenging, it’s important to seek help right away. Talking with a mental health professional can help guide you to an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Staggering Statistics – Silence the Stigma

With over 200 different types of identified mental illnesses, it would be difficult to outline each symptom in a blog post. However, the symptoms listed above tend to be some of the most commonly experienced. Of course, if you have other reasons to be concerned about your mental wellness, the most important thing to do is reach out for help.

Unfortunately, mental health stigma may prevent many people from seeking the help they need. That’s why it’s important to talk about these things with trusted friends, families, and neighbors so that we can work to de-stigmatize these very common and prevalent human experiences.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one out of every eight people in the world suffers from a mental disability. Still, many people remain untreated or otherwise lack access to basic mental health care needs. 

Because mental illness is essentially an invisible disease, it’s easier to neglect than a physical ailment. However, it’s important to remember that there is help available and you’re not alone in this struggle.

Seeking Help from a Mental Health Professional

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders is a critical first step, but seeking professional help is equally as important. 

Mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and social workers, are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat various mental health conditions. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health challenges, consider the following actions.

Talk to Your Primary Care Physician

Your primary care physician can be a valuable resource in coordinating mental health care. They can also rule out any underlying physical health conditions that may be contributing to mental health symptoms and refer you to mental health professionals for further evaluation.

If you speak with your PCP and they disregard your symptoms or undermine your concerns, you may want to get a second option. While Primary care providers can be a helpful resource, they aren’t mental health professionals. While it can be hard to advocate for yourself when you’re actively struggling with mental health challenges, remember that you know yourself best. If something feels off, it’s better to seek help from another trusted resource.

Start Directly with Plus by APN

At Plus by APN, we specialize in treating mental health conditions with a multifaceted approach, incorporating groundbreaking alternative therapies, from TMS to Ketamine therapy, as well as traditional psychotherapy and medication management. We can verify insurance coverage and design personalized treatment plans to meet individual needs. Simply call 424.644.6486 or fill out our online contact form today. We are located throughout the United States, providing various services. We can be found in Boulder, CO; Denver, CO; Dallas, TX; Fort Worth, TX; Edwards, CO; and Malibu, CA. So if you are looking for ketamine therapy in Dallas to TMS in Edwards, CO, then contact us today

Reach Out to Supportive Individuals

Sharing your concerns with supportive friends, family, or colleagues can be therapeutic – in fact, a reliable support system is essential for emotional well-being. Speaking with trusted loved ones can also encourage you to seek professional help when needed. Sometimes, our loved ones can provide us with alternative perspectives and additional context that can help a mental health professional form a more accurate diagnosis.

Utilize Mental Health Hotlines

Many countries have mental health hotlines that offer immediate support and resources. In the United Statesyou can call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Learning to Manage a Mental Health Disorder

Learning how to manage a mental health disorder is not as difficult as it initially may seem. Oftentimes, we simply need to get out of our own way and reach out to others to help guide us. 

A physical injury may require intensive interventions and continued therapy to treat the root cause and strengthen the muscles for long-term recovery – mental health struggles are similar. With some time and diligence, you can find professional interventions that help you manage and sustain a healthy and happy lifestyle.

Traditional Treatment Options for Mental Health

Traditional treatments for mental conditions often involve the use of medications and psychotherapy provided by a licensed mental health professional.

Medication options may include different types of antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, stimulants, and more. Which medication is recommended will be based on a variety of factors, including your:

  • Personal diagnosis
  • Physical make-up
  • Psychological needs

Psychotherapy, a body of clinical techniques used to treat various mental health conditions through personalized therapy sessions, has been found to benefit about 75% of people who utilize it. Still, it’s often not enough to cure or curb the most debilitating symptoms of mental health disorders.

When traditional treatments alone aren’t providing significant relief from mental health challenges, it may be time to start exploring the alternatives.

Alternative Treatment Options for Mental Health

Fortunately, there are many different alternative treatments to try when traditional approaches aren’t properly addressing a person’s mental health concerns. These may include:

  • Ketamine-Assisted Therapy: professional administration of low-dose ketamine has demonstrated rapid and lasting improvements in mental health symptoms
  • Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: a non-invasive method using magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells and improve mood regulation
  • Neurofeedback: real-time monitoring of brain activity, offering a valuable tool to relieve depression and enhance emotional regulation
  • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: breathing pure oxygen within a pressurized chamber to alleviate depression and enhance overall brain function
  • Stellate Ganglion Blocks: injection of a local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion (nerves located at the back of the neck) to improve sympathetic nervous system function and relieve various mental health symptoms

Of course, there are many other alternative treatments to explore such as yoga, breathing exercises, mindfulness, animal therapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, and more. The important thing is to try new things until you find something that works well for you.

Moving Forward With Mental Health – Prioritizing Wellness

Understanding the signs and symptoms of mental health issues is a crucial step in promoting overall well-being. Mental health conditions are common, and seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness. While we have explored the symptoms of various mental health issues, it’s essential to remember that everyone’s experience is unique.

Remember, you are not alone, and help is available. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, reach out to a mental health professional today at Plus By APN. 

With proper diagnosis and treatment, many individuals can lead fulfilling lives and manage their mental health diagnoses effectively. To take the next step, call 424.644.6486 or fill out our online contact form today.

  • Feng, Juan-Juan, and You-Hui Li. “Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on depression and anxiety in the patients with incomplete spinal cord injury (a STROBE-compliant article).” Medicine vol. 96,29 (2017): e7334. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000007334
  • Kerzner, Jaimie, et al. “Stellate Ganglion Block for Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Research Landscape.” Chronic Stress (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8 Dec. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8664306/.
  • Lee, Young Ji et al. “Neurofeedback Treatment on Depressive Symptoms and Functional Recovery in Treatment-Resistant Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: an Open-Label Pilot Study.” Journal of Korean medical science vol. 34,42 e287. 4 Nov. 2019, doi:10.3346/jkms.2019.34.e287
  • Newport, D Jeffrey et al. “Ketamine and Other NMDA Antagonists: Early Clinical Trials and Possible Mechanisms in Depression.” The American journal of psychiatry vol. 172,10 (2015): 950-66. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2015.15040465
  • “Mental Disorders.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders. Accessed 1 Jan. 2024.
  • “Mental Illness and the Family: Recognizing Warning Signs and How to Cope.” Mental Health America, www.mhanational.org/recognizing-warning-signs#:~:text=There%20are%20more%20than%20200,dementia%2C%20schizophrenia%20and%20anxiety%20disorders. Accessed 1 Jan. 2024.
  • “What Is Psychotherapy?” Psychiatry.Org – What Is Psychotherapy?, www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/psychotherapy#:~:text=Does%20Psychotherapy%20Work%3F,show%20some%20benefit%20from%20it. Accessed 1 Jan. 2024.