Knowing The Signs Of Mental Illness

Mental illnesses including mood, eating or post-traumatic stress disorders almost never occur all at once, according to the American Psychiatric Association. Most often the individuals or those who are around them such as family, friends, colleagues and teachers have been noticing behavioral changes for some time before the symptoms become acute. The psychiatrist at Vibrant Integrative Psychiatry wants to help you recognize the warning signs that may be affecting yourself or your loved ones; early intervention can be crucial in providing treatment to prevent the condition from becoming severe.

Although a list of symptoms can’t replace a professional evaluation in terms of reaching a diagnosis, the association recommends following up with a psychiatrist if more than one of the following signs and symptoms are present:

• Dramatic changes in appetite, sleep and/or personal hygiene.

• Rapid emotional shifts, and/or increased depressed feelings; greater irritability. 

• Drop in performance at work or in school, more absences, declining relationships with coworkers or peers.

• Loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities, especially socially.

• Persistent feelings of anxiety or suspicion. 

• Feelings of disconnectedness.

• Poor concentration and memory.

• Overly sensitive to sights and sounds, leading to avoidance of stimulating situations.

The psychiatrist at Vibrant Integrative Psychiatry is a trained, licensed medical doctor with experience treating a range of mental health conditions through effective types of therapy and, if indicated, medication. Working together in a private, confidential, one-on-one setting, we’ll first reach a diagnosis and then discuss solutions that are right for what has been troubling you. Together we set goals for what you want to accomplish during treatment and we’ll reassess each step of the way to ensure we’re on the right path. 

We want each patient to understand they are not alone in experiencing the feelings they’re going through, and they needn’t be alone in walking the path to recovery. Please contact our office today to schedule a confidential evaluation.