Mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions — disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behavior. Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviors.
Many people have mental health concerns from time to time. But a mental health concern becomes a mental illness when ongoing signs and symptoms cause frequent stress and affect your ability to function.
A mental illness can make you miserable and can cause problems in your daily life, such as at school or work or in relationships. In most cases, symptoms can be managed with a combination of medications and talk therapy (psychotherapy).
Signs and symptoms of mental illness can vary, depending on the disorder, circumstances and other factors. Mental illness symptoms can affect emotions, thoughts and behaviors.
| Examples of signs and symptoms | |
| Feeling sad or down | Extreme mood changes of highs and lows |
| Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate | Withdrawal from friends and activities |
| Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt | Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping |
| Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations | Inability to cope with daily problems or stress |
| Trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people | Alcohol or drug abuse |
| Major changes in eating habits | Sex drive changes |
| Excessive anger, hostility or violence | Suicidal thinking |
Sometimes symptoms of a mental health disorder appear as physical problems, such as stomach pain, back pain, headache, or other unexplained aches and pains.
If you have any signs or symptoms of a mental illness, see your primary care provider or mental health specialist. Most mental illnesses don't improve on their own, and if untreated, a mental illness may get worse over time and cause serious problems.
Suicidal thoughts and behavior are common with some mental illnesses. If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, get help right away:
Suicidal thinking doesn't get better on its own — so get help.
If your loved one shows signs of mental illness, have an open and honest discussion with him or her about your concerns. You may not be able to force someone to get professional care, but you can offer encouragement and support. You can also help your loved one find a qualified mental health provider and make an appointment. You may even be able to go along to the appointment.
If your loved one has done self-harm or is considering doing so, take the person to the hospital or call for emergency help.
