There are many warning signs that mental illness may be a concern. The more obvious signs include experiencing hallucinations or delusions. Hallucinations occur when you see, hear, taste, touch, or smell things that aren’t there. Delusions involve believing things that aren’t true, like thinking you’re a millionaire or that you’re being watched by the police or other government agencies.
In some cases, people may believe foreign entities, such as space aliens, are inserting thoughts into their minds or reading their thoughts for sinister reasons. Psychosis can present itself in varying degrees of detachment from reality. For example, schizophrenia can disrupt thought processes, perceptions, emotional responses, and social interactions. These are signs of more severe mental health conditions.
More common mental health issues usually involve depression and/or anxiety. Some people experience changes in their sleeping or eating habits, while others find their ability to concentrate or solve problems diminishing. They may lose interest or pleasure in activities they used to enjoy. When these feelings become more severe, they can manifest as self-image issues and even eating disorders, such as bulimia or anorexia.
The Mental Illness Spectrum
Mental illness exists on a spectrum and can show up in minor or major ways. For example, paranoia can be mild, such as thinking people are talking about you behind your back, or more severe, like believing the government is watching you. Many mental health conditions first appear in early adulthood, though they can develop at any age depending on the disorder.
One common issue is attention deficit disorder (ADD), where a person’s thoughts are rapid and unfocused, making it difficult to concentrate or think in an organized way. If this is accompanied by hyperactive behavior—feeling as if you are “driven by a motor”—it may indicate attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
On the other hand, depression often causes the opposite effect, slowing down a person’s energy, thought processes, and ability to function. The severity can range from mild forgetfulness and sadness to a complete inability to move or function, sometimes referred to as catatonia.
Substance use can also be considered a mental illness, depending on how much it disrupts a person’s life. Other obsessive/compulsive disorders, such as gambling, sex, or eating, can become disorders when they interfere with work, family, social relationships, or recreational activities.
There are many forms of mental illness, including personality disorders, mood disorders, gender dysphoria, phobias, fetishes, and compulsions, but it would take too long to explain each one in detail here.
Total Honesty
When seeking help, it’s important to ask yourself, your family, or your doctor questions based on total honesty. There are three people you should never lie to: your doctor, your lawyer, and your mental health counselor. Be straightforward and describe what you’re experiencing without exaggeration. For example, you might say, “I’ve been crying for no apparent reason,” or “I can’t sleep more than two or three hours a night, and I have no appetite,” or even, “I believe someone is following me, but I don’t know who.”
Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. A list of famous and successful people who have dealt with mental illness would be too long to fit here.
It’s easy to dismiss symptoms of mental illness as insignificant. Maybe you’re just tired, working too hard, or a little forgetful. However, if these feelings or behaviors continue or worsen, it’s important to seek help. Many mental health issues can be successfully treated if caught early.
Getting Help
Your first step should be determining whether the situation is an emergency. If you believe you are a danger to yourself or others, seek help immediately by going to the nearest emergency room, hospital, or mental health facility. If you don’t have transportation, call 911 or the mental health crisis hotline at 988.
If you do NOT think you or someone else is in imminent danger, but you’re feeling overwhelmed, call Wellstone Behavioral Health at 256-533-1970 or their emergency number at 256-705-6444.
If you’re feeling depressed or anxious but don’t feel it’s an emergency, make an appointment with a local mental health provider, either public or private, depending on what you can afford.
If after a few weeks you don’t feel better, don’t hesitate to request a new counselor. Mental health professionals understand that different people connect with different counselors, and it’s okay to seek a better fit.
This is the second post in a two-part series on a substance abuse, mental illness, and recovery. Read part one here.
If you or someone you know is dealing with both mental health challenges and substance abuse, contact us at His Way. Our experienced team is ready to help.
Written by Don Phillips
Don Phillips is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with more than 27 years of experience in behavioral health and 35 years of personal recovery from chemical addiction. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in General Psychology from Athens State University and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Alabama A&M University. He is an Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (AADC) and Internationally Certified AADC (ICAADC).