Signs of Mental Illness

COMMON SIGNS OF MENTAL ILLNESS

Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks
Trying to harm or end one's life or making plans to do so
Severe, out-of-control risk-taking behaviors that cause harm to self or others
Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart, physical discomfort or difficulty breathing
Significant weight loss or gain, not eating, throwing up or using a laxative to lose weight
Severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
Seeing, hearing, or believing things that are not real
Excessive use of alcohol or drugs
Drastic changes in mood, behavior, personality or sleeping habits
Extreme difficulty concentrating or staying still
Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities

NAMI STATISTICS:

50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14;

75% by age 24.

1 in 5 Children ages 13-18 have, or will have a serious mental illness.

The average delay between onset of symptoms and intervention is 8-10 years

Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in youth ages 10-24

90% of those who died by suicide had an underlying mental illness

WHAT TO DO

Getting help early for mental health matters in keeping your life on track.