Signs and symptoms of mental illnesses vary from person to person, but paying close attention to our mental state is essential in order to notice when something is wrong. It is essential to treat mental illness with the same level of concern that we treat our physical health with. A licensed mental health provider can help you navigate any of your mental health concerns.
Below are some common mental health symptoms and disorders, which are highlighted for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace guidance from a mental health professional.
Common Signs That May Indicate a Mental Illness
It is important to be cognizant of changes in behavior, mood, and thinking, as these may be indicative of a mental health condition. If you're concerned about your mental health, consult a mental health professional for assistance.
| Behavior |
Mood |
Thinking |
| Changes in sleep habits, tiredness, & energy |
Excessive worry or fear |
Difficulties understanding or relating to others |
| Inability to handle daily stressors or basic day-to-day activities |
Extreme mood changes (uncontrollable highs/euphoria) |
Confusion or problems concentrating & learning |
| Changes in eating habits (e.g., hunger levels or lack of appetite) |
Intense fear of weight gain & appearance concern |
Inability to perceive changes in our own feelings, behavior, or personality |
| Avoiding friends & social activities |
Feeling excessively sad or low |
Difficulty perceiving reality (delusions or hallucinations) |
| Overuse of substances like drugs or alcohol |
Prolonged irritability or anger |
| Changes in sex drive |
Suicidal ideation or intent |
Table by nonprofit Transamerica Institute
Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness
Common Mental Health Conditions & Disorders
Mental illness is typically broken up into four categories including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, & psychotic disorders.
Below are some general symptoms and disorders (not exhaustive lists of symptoms):
Note: It is important to seek guidance from a qualified mental health professional.
Anxiety Disorders
| Anxiety is a normal part of the human experience -- however when the fear and distress become overwhelming or unmanageable, an anxiety disorder may be the root. |
| Disorder |
Diagnosis |
General Symptoms |
| Anxiety Disorders |
General Anxiety Disorder |
- Feelings of apprehension, dread, or worry.
- Sweating, tremors, twitches
- Feeling tense, restlessness, irritability
- Pounding, racing heart
- Shortness of breath
|
| Panic Disorder |
| Social Anxiety Disorder |
| Separation Anxiety Disorder |
| Agoraphobia |
| Specific Phobias |
Learn more about
anxiety.
Attention Deficit Hyper-Activity Disorder
Many symptoms of ADHD are “normal”, but if these symptoms are long in duration, uncontrollable, and frequent they might be a cause for concern.
|
| Disorder |
Diagnosis |
General Symptoms |
| Attention Deficit Hyper-Activity Disorder |
"ADHD" |
- Inattention
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsivity
|
Learn more about
ADHD.
Bipolar Disorders
| People with a bipolar disorder experience very high and very low moods compared to the typical mood changes most humans endure. |
| Disorder |
Diagnosis |
General Symptoms |
| Bipolar Disorder |
Bipolar 1 Disorder |
|
| Bipolar 2 Disorder |
Learn more about
bipolar disorder.
Eating Disorders
| It is normal to think about what your next meal will be, but when thoughts surrounding food and weight begin to preoccupy your focus, attention, and energy -- it might be a sign of an eating disorder. |
| Disorder |
Diagnosis |
General Symptoms |
| Eating Disorder |
Anorexia Nervosa |
- Extreme food & weight issues that cause serious emotional & physical problems.
|
| Bulimia Nervosa |
| Binge Eating Disorders |
Learn more about
eating disorders.
Depression
| Most people experience at least one depressive episode in their lifetime. If symptoms begin to affect your ability to function, it is essential to seek treatment. |
| Disorder |
Diagnosis |
General Symptoms |
| Depression |
Depressive Episodes |
- Hopelessness, guilt, suicidal thoughts
- Lack energy, interest, or concentration
- Changes in sleep, appetite, movement
|
| Major Depressive Disorder |
Learn more about
depression.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
It is normal to experience a short-term response to traumatic events, but it is important to recognize & find treatment if the event causes lasting effects on your mental health.
|
| Disorder |
Diagnosis |
General Symptoms |
| Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder |
"PTSD" |
- Hypervigilance
- Recurring involuntary and intrusive distressing memories
- Avoidance
- Cognitive & mood symptoms
|
Learn more about
PTSD.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
| It is common to experience occasional reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) or behaviors (compulsions), however, in those with obsessive-compulsive disorder, these symptoms interfere with daily life for more than an hour each day. |
| Disorder |
Diagnosis |
General Symptoms |
| Obsessive Compulsive Disorder |
"OCD" |
- Compulsions: repetitive acts to relieve stress from obsessions
- Obsessions: repetitive intrusive, irrational thoughts/impulses.
|
| OCD w/ Body Dysmorphic Disorder |
| OCD w/ Hoarding Disorder |
| OCD w/ Trichotillomania |
Learn more about
OCD.
Psychotic Disorders
| Psychosis is not a break from reality, but someone’s thoughts being disrupted by hallucinations. It is vital to seek treatment if your ability to clearly think, manage emotions, or relate to others is impeded by delusions or hallucinations. |
| Disorder |
Diagnosis |
General Symptoms |
| Psychotic Disorders |
Schizoaffective Disorder |
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Disorganized thinking
- Depressed Mood
- Manic Behavior
|
| Delusional Disorder |
| Schizophrenia |
| Schizophreniform |
| Brief Psychotic Disorder |
Learn more about
psychosis.
Substance Use Disorders
| Some people use certain substances recreationally, but it is crucial to recognize your behavior and check in with your intentions, coping strategies, mental health, & frequency of use. |
| Disorder |
Diagnosis |
General Symptoms |
| Substance Use Disorder |
Substance Use Disorder |
- Feeling of needing the drug to function
- Withdrawal from others
- Changes in behavior or risky behavior
|
| Co-occurring Disorders (substance use w/ other mental illness) |
Learn more about substance use disorders.
