Dr Santosh Chaturvedi, Professor of Psychiatry at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, lists some of the common disturbances which indicate the possibility of a psychological problem, mental illness or a psychiatric disorder in ourselves or in those around us.
Change in behaviour: Indulging in behaviour that is not socially acceptable or appropriate, or behaviour that one is unable to control or stop. Disruptive behaviour or being too withdrawn can also be an indication.
Overthinking: Excessive worries and negative thoughts like self-blame, guilt, low self-esteem, or feeling great and grand in a manner that is untrue and beyond one’s capabilities are signs of an illness. If these thoughts occur often and are uncontrollable, one should consider seeking help. Also, if a person has unfounded fears that he or she is being watched or has fears that he or she is going to be harmed, it could be a sign of mental illness.
Feelings and mood: Mood changes are normal, but feeling sad or weepy for days on end or lack of interest in activities that were earlier pleasurable can be a sign of a depressive disorder. So is feeling worthless and hopeless and thoughts of self-harm. Likewise, feeling excessively happy or angry for days together, being overactive, aggressive, and destructive can be a sign of mania.
Personality: Any change in regular personality which leads to difficulties in adjusting with people, and results in interpersonal problems, can be an indicator of a psychiatric disorder.
Concentration and memory: Decrease in a person’s intellectual capacity, attention and concentration is a sign that requires immediate care. Occasional forgetfulness and lapses in concentration or memory are normal, but if it goes on for days together or worsens, it’s a sign of mental illness. If a person is not able to identify known persons, and is unaware of his surroundings and the time, it’s an indication that the illness has taken a more serious turn.
Experiences: People go through varied experiences—some happen once in a while and do not affect them. If these experiences are strange and disturbing, or fearful, help should be sought. These may be in the form of hearing voices of people who can’t be seen, or seeing people whom nobody else can, or feeling disconnected from one’s surroundings and self.
Stress and coping: Acute stress may lead to headache or bodyache, fatigue and other bodily symptoms. Sexual difficulties and concerns related to stress also need medical opinion and help. The signs are disturbed sleep, lack of appetite, loss of libido, and loss of weight.