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Recognizing Early Mental Health Symptoms

The document outlines early warning signs of potential mental health problems including changes in eating, sleeping, mood, and behavior. It then provides tips for managing mental health conditions including sticking to treatment plans, maintaining relationships, developing coping skills, and getting enough sleep. Finally, it lists ten things people can do to support their mental health such as valuing oneself, managing stress, setting goals, and seeking help when needed.

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18 views5 pages

Recognizing Early Mental Health Symptoms

The document outlines early warning signs of potential mental health problems including changes in eating, sleeping, mood, and behavior. It then provides tips for managing mental health conditions including sticking to treatment plans, maintaining relationships, developing coping skills, and getting enough sleep. Finally, it lists ten things people can do to support their mental health such as valuing oneself, managing stress, setting goals, and seeking help when needed.

Uploaded by

villadiegojamesryan
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Early Warning Signs & Symptoms

Not sure if you or someone you know is living with mental health problems?
Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviors can be an
early warning sign of a problem:

 Eating or sleeping too much or too little


 Pulling away from people and usual activities
 Having low or no energy
 Feeling numb or like nothing matters
 Having unexplained aches and pains
 Feeling helpless or hopeless
 Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
 Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or
scared
 Yelling or fighting with family and friends
 Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
 Having persistent thoughts and memories you can't get out of your head
 Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
 Thinking of harming yourself or others
 Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to
work or school

Do you think someone you know may have a mental health problem? Talking
about mental health can be difficult. Learn about common mental health
myths and facts and read about ways to help you get the conversation started.

Tips for Living Well with a Mental Health Condition


Having a mental health condition can make it a struggle to work, keep up with
school, stick to a regular schedule, have healthy relationships, socialize,
maintain hygiene, and more.

However, with early and consistent treatment—often a combination of


medication and psychotherapy—it is possible to manage these conditions,
overcome challenges, and lead a meaningful, productive life.
Today, there are new tools, evidence-based treatments, and social support
systems that help people feel better and pursue their goals. Some of these
tips, tools and strategies include:

 Stick to a treatment plan. Even if you feel better, don’t stop going to
therapy or taking medication without a doctor’s guidance. Work with a
doctor to safely adjust doses or medication if needed to continue a
treatment plan.
 Keep your primary care physician updated. Primary care physicians
are an important part of long-term management, even if you also see a
psychiatrist.
 Learn about the condition. Being educated can help you stick to your
treatment plan. Education can also help your loved ones be more
supportive and compassionate.
 Practice good self-care. Control stress with activities such as
meditation or tai-chi; eat healthy and exercise; and get enough sleep.
 Reach out to family and friends. Maintaining relationships with others
is important. In times of crisis or rough spells, reach out to them for
support and help.
 Develop coping skills. Establishing healthy coping skills can help
people deal with stress easier.
 Get enough sleep. Good sleep improves your brain performance, mood
and overall health. Consistently poor sleep is associated with anxiety,
depression, and other mental health conditions.
Ten Things You Can Do for Your
Mental Health
Try these tips to keep your balance, or re-balance yourself.*

1. Value yourself:
Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and avoid self-criticism.
Make time for your hobbies and favorite projects, or broaden your
horizons. Do a daily crossword puzzle, plant a garden, take dance
lessons, learn to play an instrument or become fluent in another
language.

2. Take care of your body:


Taking care of yourself physically can improve your mental health. Be
sure to:

 Eat nutritious meals


 Avoid smoking and vaping-- see Cessation Help
 Drink plenty of water
 Exercise, which helps decrease depression and anxiety and
improve moods
 Get enough sleep. Researchers believe that lack of sleep
contributes to a high rate of depression in college students.

3. Surround yourself with good people:


People with strong family or social connections are generally healthier
than those who lack a support network. Make plans with supportive
family members and friends, or seek out activities where you can meet
new people, such as a club, class or support group.

4. Give yourself:
Volunteer your time and energy to help someone else. You'll feel good
about doing something tangible to help someone in need — and it's a
great way to meet new people. See Fun and Cheap Things to do in
Ann Arbor for ideas.

5. Learn how to deal with stress:


Like it or not, stress is a part of life. Practice good coping skills:
Try One-Minute Stress Strategies, do Tai Chi, exercise, take a nature
walk, play with your pet or try journal writing as a stress reducer. Also,
remember to smile and see the humor in life. Research shows that
laughter can boost your immune system, ease pain, relax your body
and reduce stress.

6. Quiet your mind:


Try meditating, Mindfulness and/or prayer. Relaxation exercises and
prayer can improve your state of mind and outlook on life. In fact,
research shows that meditation may help you feel calm and enhance
the effects of therapy. To get connected, see spiritual resources
on Personal Well-being for Students

7. Set realistic goals:


Decide what you want to achieve academically, professionally and
personally, and write down the steps you need to realize your goals.
Aim high, but be realistic and don't over-schedule. You'll enjoy a
tremendous sense of accomplishment and self-worth as you progress
toward your goal. Wellness Coaching, free to U-M students, can help
you develop goals and stay on track.

8. Break up the monotony:


Although our routines make us more efficient and enhance our feelings
of security and safety, a little change of pace can perk up a tedious
schedule. Alter your jogging route, plan a road-trip, take a walk in a
different park, hang some new pictures or try a new restaurant.
See Rejuvenation 101

9. Avoid alcohol and other drugs:


Keep alcohol use to a minimum and avoid other drugs. Sometimes
people use alcohol and other drugs to "self-medicate" but in reality,
alcohol and other drugs only aggravate problems. For more
information, see Alcohol and Other Drugs.

10. Get help when you need it:


Seeking help is a sign of strength — not a weakness. And it is
important to remember that treatment is effective. People who get
appropriate care can recover from mental illness and addiction and
lead full, rewarding lives. See Resources for Stress and Mental
Health for campus and community resources.

*Adapted from the National Mental Health Association/National


Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare

Common questions

Powered by AI

Setting realistic goals benefits mental health by creating a roadmap for success, reducing the stress of overwhelming expectations, and promoting a sense of achievement. It encourages progress in personal, academic, and professional areas, enhancing self-confidence and motivation .

Valuing oneself is important for mental health as it fosters self-respect and reduces self-criticism. Engaging in hobbies, learning new skills like playing an instrument or a language, and doing creative activities can support self-value by providing a sense of accomplishment and personal growth .

Being surrounded by good people aids mental health by providing social support, reducing feelings of isolation, and enhancing overall wellbeing. Strong family or social connections correlate with better health outcomes, offering emotional support in times of stress and contributing to a more positive outlook .

A primary care physician plays a crucial role in coordinating care, monitoring overall health, and managing physical aspects that might affect mental health. They provide a holistic view, essential for long-term management alongside psychiatrists or other specialists involved in mental health care .

Good sleep improves brain performance and mood and is vital in preventing mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Poor sleep is linked to higher rates of depression, especially among vulnerable groups like college students, underscoring the role of adequate rest in maintaining mental health .

Engaging in diverse activities can improve mental health by invigorating daily routines, enhancing mood, fostering creativity, and reducing feelings of stagnation. This could include changing exercise routes, partaking in new hobbies, or simply altering one's daily schedule to add variety and excitement .

Using alcohol and drugs to cope with mental health issues can worsen these problems instead of alleviating them. These substances may offer temporary relief but lead to dependency, exacerbate symptoms, and prevent individuals from seeking effective treatment and building healthy coping mechanisms .

Early warning signs of mental health problems include eating or sleeping too much or too little, withdrawing from people and activities, low energy, feeling numb, unexplained aches, hopelessness, increased use of substances, confusion, mood swings, thoughts of harming oneself, and inability to perform daily tasks .

Sticking to a treatment plan is essential for managing a mental health condition because it ensures consistent medication intake and regular therapy sessions, both of which are crucial for symptom management and overall well-being. Discontinuing these without medical guidance can lead to relapse or worsening symptoms .

Stress management is crucial in maintaining mental health as it prevents chronic stress, which can exacerbate mental health disorders. Effective strategies include practicing mindfulness, exercise, tai chi, and engaging in creative activities that promote relaxation and stimulate a positive mood .

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