How do I know if I have a mental Illness?

Mental health is finally entering the mainstream—it’s been a hot topic in the news and on social media. So you’ve heard of it. And you’re also going through… something. But how do you know if what you’re experiencing fits the definition of a mental illness?

Looking for signs

 Mental illness is just that—an illness. Try to think of your mental health the way you think about your physical health. We all experience ups and downs in our physical health. Some days you might feel a little sore, or tired, or sniffly. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’re “sick.” You know you’re sick when you notice that:

  • Changes are new. Your experiences are different from what you’re used to in your life. Maybe you felt anxious, sad, or fearful before, but now it feels more than what you’re used to.
  • The changes get in the way of living. Things that are normally easy now feel a lot more difficult. Maybe it’s even bad enough that you can’t make it to school or work, or maybe it stops you from socializing or doing the things you love.
  • It’s not getting better. Just like when you get a cold – things might go away in a few days, and you’re back at work. If you try to make changes and nothing is making it get better, it’s a good sign that seeing a profession can help explore what might be going on and how to get better.

Mental illness is the same way. The only difference is that instead of looking for physical symptoms, like a runny nose or an upset stomach, you’re looking at your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Here are some examples of things that might tip you off:

  • You used to be really cheerful and outgoing, but lately all you want to do is sit in your room.
  • Things you used to enjoy have lost their appeal. Food doesn’t taste as good as it used to, and all your favorite music just sounds boring.
  • You’re always falling asleep in class. It’s hard to pay attention and do well in school.
  • Your friend is talking and you’re trying hard to listen, but you can’t concentrate. All you can think about is bad things that might happen.
  • Recently you started hearing voices that no one else seems to hear.
  • You can’t leave the house without checking all the locks several times. You do this so much that it’s making you late for work.
  • You’re always irritated, and you can’t stop snapping at people.

Of course not all of these will apply to you, but they all have something in common: there’s some change in your thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that makes it harder for you to live a normal life.

What now?

If you think you might have a mental illness, there are a few different things you can do. Taking any action is better than nothing, so start with whatever seems most helpful to you:

Finding out that you have a mental illness can be tough. So whatever your next steps are, take some time to sit with your feelings. It’s okay to be overwhelmed or discouraged. But there’s also good reason to feel hopeful—mental illness is common, and recovery is possible!

  1. Where do you think your mental health challenges could be coming from?

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  1. What negative thought are you struggling with?

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  1. What negative thought are you struggling with?

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  2. Where does this negative thought come from?

    Negative thoughts usually come from our past experiences. What happened in your life that makes you believe this thought?

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  3. If your friend was dealing with the same negative thought, what would you say to help them feel more hopeful?

    Then, imagine your friend telling you this more hopeful thought.

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  4. What do you need to say or do so you can truly believe the more hopeful thought?

    What do you need to let go of so you can feel better? What do you need to say to convince yourself or focus on the positive?

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