The symptoms of mental illness can come on quickly, or develop very gradually. Almost all mental health problems can be treated, or at least reduced in severity, and getting help early can lead to better diagnosis and treatment.
Signs to watch for#
Possible signs that a person might have, or be developing, a mental illness include:
- withdrawing from family, friends and others
- bizarre or unusual thinking
- confusion and disorientation
- problems taking part in everyday activities
- restless, disorganized behavior or a marked decrease in activity
- destructive or high-risk behavior
- significant changes in mood (up or down)
- significant changes in personal hygiene or appearance
- hallucinations (seeing, hearing, feeling or tasting something that is not actually there)
- delusions (strongly believing something is real when it is not)
- suicidal thoughts or acts of self-harm
Experiencing one or two of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have a mental illness, but several occurring together can be a sign that it is time to talk to a healthcare professional, especially if the symptoms are affecting your study, work or relationships. If left untreated, early symptoms may progress, become more serious, or lead to a psychotic episode.
Getting help early#
If you begin to notice signs of mental illness, it is best to get advice and help as soon as possible. You can:
- do some research about common mental health conditions, to see whether you recognize any of the signs or symptoms
- speak to a family member or trusted friend about your thoughts, feelings or behavior
- visit your local doctor for an assessment and advice
- speak to a counselor about your thoughts and feelings, and learn stress management techniques if needed
Treatments for mental illness are more effective than ever before. Sometimes feelings like shame, fear or denial can stop you from seeking help, as can the belief that mental illness is a weakness. Mental illness is a medical issue, and help is available. Early intervention can make an important difference, so seek mental health advice early.
When to contact a mental health service#
In an urgent mental health crisis, call your local emergency number or emergency services straight away.
For non-urgent help, start by contacting your local doctor or community health center. Local doctors can assess and treat many common mental health concerns, including depression and anxiety, and can refer you to other mental health professionals if needed. You could also discuss your concerns with a trained social worker, occupational therapist, psychologist or counselor. These professionals are available through many community health centers.
Specialist mental health services#
Specialist mental health services assess and treat people with serious mental illness, including those experiencing a psychiatric crisis. Many can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
When you contact a service, professional staff will ask about the problem, including why you have contacted the service and whether you have used mental health services before. This helps them decide which service will be most useful to you. Care may be delivered in a hospital or while you continue to live at home, depending on the issue and its severity.
Mental health services are often organized into care for children and young people, adults, and older people. Depending on the service, support may include:
- community-based assessment and treatment
- crisis assessment and treatment
- mobile support and treatment
- continuing clinical care
- acute inpatient care
- residential and non-residential rehabilitation and disability support
- secure extended inpatient care
Key points#
- Symptoms of mental illness may come on quickly
- Getting help early can lead to improved diagnosis and treatment
- Treatments for mental illness are more effective than ever before
- Finding information can be helpful: to see if you recognize any of the signs or symptoms of mental illness
- Early intervention can make an important difference, so seek mental health advice early
Where to get help#
Sources & further reading
For evidence-based global guidance on this topic, consult authoritative public-health bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), CDC, NHS, and ECDC.