It’s hard to tell if you have a mental illness. It’s not one of those things that normally come to someone thinking there is something wrong with them. As you grow up as a child, you may be told that you’re different, you may be told that you stand out the wrong way. Mom and Dad may think that you might be going through something hard at school and as you get older you might overcome that “problem.” 

You don’t know what’s going on and Mom and Dad may bring you to a new place to play or not knowing that you’re getting testing. A teacher could see you differently and may talk to Mom and Dad and tell them that you seem to stand out in the classroom because it may be hard to make friends or build social relationships. 

As an adult, it may be difficult to find social cues and be told you’re different in a good way or a bad way. You might be told that you stay at home too much, that you may be too Moody, or just plain different that others don’t want to hang out with you.

Everyone has different Journeys figuring out if they have a mental illness. Diagnosis May Come when you are a kid, or diagnosis can come when you’re an adult. but just in case you’re curious, finding out the different symptoms in some mental illness diagnoses can sometimes help a parent, a teacher, or yourself. 

Depression

Major depressive disorder or clinical depression is a very common mood disorder in which you may feel sadness or loss of interest. He may have a very difficult time doing regular activities and sometimes feel that your life isn’t worth living. According to this article episodes of depression may occur and those common symptoms are:

• Sadness
• Loss of Interest
• Tiredness
• Slowed thinking
• Trouble concentrating
• Back pain or headaches 

Depression can also be severe enough to cause problems in regular activities. Examples are going to work, going to school or social activities. 

Depression symptoms in Children and Teens include:

• Sadness
• Clinginess
• Aches and pains
• Not wanting to go to school.

Depression symptoms in Adults include:

• Personality changes
• Aches and pains
• Loss of appetite
• Sleep problems

If you think you have depression it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor or a mental health professional as soon as possible. If you don’t feel comfortable talking about this with a doctor then find a friend or a loved one that may be able to help. 

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can be a little confusing. A lot of people don’t understand the different types of bipolar disorder. In summary, it’s a mental illness that can cause shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and concentration. When someone experiences bipolar episodes it is difficult to carry out everyday tasks.

This article shows there are three different types of bipolar disorder. 

They are bipolar 1 disorder, bipolar 2 disorder, and cyclothymic disorder. Each disorder has different symptoms and they include:

• Bipolar 1
  • Manic episodes for at least 7 days.
  • Depressive episodes lasting 2 weeks.
• Bipolar 2
  • Depressive episodes.
  • Hypomanic episodes.
• Cyclothymic disorder
  • Recurring hypomanic episodes.
  • Depressive symptoms that are not intense.

You’re probably wondering what’s the difference between a manic episode and a depressive episode. The article continues describing those symptoms.

• Manic episodes
  • Feeling jumpy.
  • Decreased need for sleep.
  • Talking fast about many ideas.
  • Having an excessive appetite for food, drinking or sex.
  • Feeling powerful or important.
    
• Depressive episodes
  • Feeling very down or sad.
  • Having trouble falling asleep or waking up too early.
  • Talking very slowly.
  • Unable to do simple things.
  • Hopelessness or worthless. 

Sometimes people suffer from both manic and depressive episodes. Those are called mixed features. People with bipolar disorder can also suffer from anxiety, ADHD, and drugs or alcohol.

If you or a loved one are diagnosed with bipolar disorder it will be there for the rest of your life. An effective treatment plan that includes medication and therapy will allow you to live your life to the fullest.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder, may be known as a stigma that people do not understand. Schizophrenia may affect areas of someone’s life that include, everyday tasks, family and social relationships, and personal relationships. 

In this article, two out of three people with schizophrenia do not receive specialist mental health treatment. Interestingly enough, one in three people with schizophrenia will be able to recover fully. 

There are many symptoms of schizophrenia and they include:

• Persistent delusions.
• Disorganized thinking.
• Limited speech.
• Unable to express emotions.
• Have slowing movements on unusual postures.

People with schizophrenia also have difficulties in thinking skills, memory, attention, and or problem-solving. 

The causes of schizophrenia are still unknown. The article continues to say that psychological factors, environmental factors, and genes may be the cause but it is still unknown.

This article shows there are two types of schizoaffective disorder. One is the bipolar type and the other is the depressive type. You may be confused as to how schizophrenia is different from bipolar disorder. The things that are different are:

• Symptoms that last a month or longer.
• Symptoms of psychosis and mood at the same time.
• Symptoms are experienced in a short time without mood symptoms. 
• Depressive episodes.
• Hallucinations.
• Delusions.

Right now many people with schizophrenia around the world are not receiving good mental health care. About 50% of people in mental health hospitals get that type of diagnosis. Only 31.3% of people with psychosis receive special Mental Health treatment. Since it’s very hard to get treatment the best thing to do is self-care.

Self-care can be exercise, diet, and personal relationships. A few things that you can change are:

• Make a crisis plan. 
• Try new ways of relaxing.
• Trying different activities or Hobbies. 
• Do exercise and change your diet.
• Calling a helpline.

For some people who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, it doesn’t mean that living with this your life is finished, but figuring out ways on how to best treat it. These ideas along with a psychiatrist and your therapist will guide you in treatment. 

The Bottom Line

Mental health diagnosis can be very hard on a person. getting guidance from a therapist or a psychiatrist can lead to successful treatment if you think you may be different. You can follow this link (Client website) to find help so you can live a better thriving life.