10 Mental Health Signs You Should Never Ignore

It’s easy to believe that a mental health disorder could never happen to you or your loved ones. But the reality is that millions of Americans are diagnosed with a mental health disorder every year.

They’re more common than you may realize, but help and hope is here at Rosecrance. Reach out to our team if you notice the following mental health signs, and take the first step towards a meaningful recovery and a healthier life.

Don’t ignore these 10 mental health signs

When you’re looking out for mental health signs from a loved one or yourself, it’s important to note any sudden changes in behavior. However, some symptoms and warning signs develop slowly, giving an individual the feeling that something is “off.”

Early intervention can give an individual a chance at recovery before a mental health disorder becomes a serious risk. You should seek the help of a mental health professional if several of the following signs are present:

1. Social withdrawal – A loss of interest in social activities, hobbies or spending time with friends or family.
2. Decreased functionality – An unusual drop in functioning at school, work or social activities; such as quitting sports, failing in school or difficulty performing familiar tasks.
3. Difficulty thinking – Persistent problems with concentration, memory or logical thought and speech.
4. Increased sensitivity – Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells or touch and avoidance of highly stimulating situations.
5. Apathy – Loss of initiative or desire to participate in any activity.
6. Feeling disconnected – A sense of being disconnected from oneself or one’s surroundings; a sense of unreality.
7. “Magical” thinking – Unusual or exaggerated beliefs about personal powers to understand meanings or influence events.
8. Heightened nervousness – A strong, constant feeling of nervousness, including fear or suspicion of others.
9. Changes in sleep or appetite – Dramatic fluctuations in sleep and appetite or decline in personal care.
10. Mood swings – Rapid or dramatic shifts in feelings and moods, often in a short period of time.

Individuals with suicidal thoughts or intent, or thoughts of harming others, should seek immediate attention. Rosecrance staff is on-call and available all day, every day, year-round for urgent matters. For adult services, please call the Ware Center at (866) 330-8729. For child, adolescent or teen services, please call our CARES crisis line at 1-800-345-9049.

Complete support for your mental health

At Rosecrance, you or your loved one can receive a mental health assessment and treatment plan to begin on the road to recovery. The caring, experienced team at Rosecrance can address a variety of conditions, from anxiety disorders and depression to schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder in adolescents and adults, as well as co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.

Start your transition to a meaningful life in recovery. For services, please call 866.928.5278.