Test Your Knowledge

The signs and symptoms of mental illness vary significantly in nature, duration and severity depending on both the individual and the condition that is present. In some cases, these signs and symptoms are indicators of an obvious problem. For example, patients who have schizophrenia may hear voices in their heads, a clear sign of a lack of mental well-being.

In other cases, symptoms may be more subtle. People who become sad over the unexpected death of a loved one experience normal emotion related to grief. However, sadness that continues for long periods – or that is debilitating – may indicate the mental disorder known as depression.

Symptoms associated with some forms of mental illness include:

• Anxiety and fear
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Difficulty thinking or concentrating
• Fatigue and loss of energy
• Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness
• Generalized pain
• Restlessness and irritability
• Significant change in appetite or weight
• Delusions or hallucinations
• Thoughts of suicide or self-destructive behavior