According to the World Health Organization, 1 in every 8 people worldwide lives with a mental health disorder. Thankfully, more attention is being put on mental health — particularly after the pandemic. However, there is still a stigma around these conditions due to a lack of understanding and education around these types of disorders. A physical illness or injury is something that is noticeable to the eye, while a mental health disorder isn’t always discernible at first glance. 

What are Mental Health Disorders? 

There are various types of mental health disorders, ranging from anxiety and depression to neurodevelopmental and eating disorders. In general, a mental health disorder is characterized by a disturbance in an individual’s behavior, cognition, or emotional state. These disturbances can lead to distress, thereby impacting a specific area of functioning. 

A diagnosis by a trained professional is oftentimes required in order to get proper treatment. A trained specialist such as a mental health therapist or psychiatrist can evaluate your behaviors and make recommendations specialized for your unique needs. They may prescribe medication or suggest going to mental health rehab for a more thorough evaluation and treatment approach. Before taking this step, however, you may be able to decipher if your sadness is just that or turning into something like depression. Below, some clues that can point you to identify if you have a mental disorder. 

1. Lack of Interest

One of the first signs of a mental health disorder is a lack of interest in things you once enjoyed. Let’s say that you used to wake up eager every Saturday morning to play music with your friends. One missed class every here and there is no big deal. But, when you stop going altogether to the point where friends begin to check on you, then this could point to a more serious issue. 

Feeling uninspired or unmotivated from time to time isn’t a cause for concern. However, take note when the pattern repeats itself regularly or you feel disinterested for longer chunks of time. Feeling a lack of interest for two weeks or more is typically a sign that something more is going on. 

2. Inability to Focus or Concentrate

Everyone gets distracted. You are working on a project and suddenly feel the urge to check your Instagram. Or, you keep rereading the same paragraph in your book because your mind is too busy thinking of other things. Feeling stressed or overwhelmed are reasons for an inability to focus. But when you find yourself having a hard time daily, then you may be suffering from a mental health condition. Mood disorders, ADHD, OCD, depression, and anxiety are just some conditions that could lead to an inability to focus or concentrate. 

Before you jump to conclusions, try seeing if a change in scenery or environment inspires you. Simply moving where you are working from within your house, for example, can be helpful.  Getting more sleep and eating a nutritious diet full of wholesome foods can give you the energy you need to complete a task at hand. And taking breaks throughout your workday can also re-energize you to the point that you’re able to cross more off your to-do list. 

3. Changes in Personality

“You’ve changed” are two words that can cause some alarm. While nobody should want to remain the same person throughout their life, hearing this from family or friends can be disconcerting. A sudden or drastic change in personality can be a sign of depression, PTSD, anxiety, or other more serious conditions like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Addiction or alcohol abuse can also significantly increase the likelihood for this type of change.

A change can be a result of a sudden or tragic loss such as a death in the family or a loss of a job. However changes can also come on unexpectedly. Signs of confusion, delusions, incomprehensible speech, or extreme mood swings are all reasons for concern. Be attentive of any of these symptoms, jotting down when they happen and how long they continue. 

4. Suicidal Thoughts

This last symptom should not be taken lightly. If you begin to experience suicidal thoughts or dreams, take action. It’s okay to struggle with your feelings and not understand how or why you are feeling this way. Instead of blaming yourself, be mindful that life is a journey and this is how you are feeling right now. 

Connecting with others can be vital to your health. Speaking with a close loved one, friend, coworker, or therapist can help put your feelings into perspective. If you would rather speak to someone anonymously, know that there are resources available to you. Hotlines, such as the Sucicide and Crisis Lifeline, are available to take your call 24/7. 

Takeaways 

This is by no means an exhaustive list of what having a mental health disorder can feel or look like. If you are struggling, remember that you are not alone. There are others just like you who are going through similar situations and experiencing similar feelings. Do not be ashamed or embarrassed by what you’re dealing with. Reaching out and talking openly about your feelings can be a first step in getting the treatment you deserve.