Types of Mental Ill Health: Recognizing Symptoms and Signs

Common Types of Mental Ill Health

There are various types of mental ill health that individuals may experience:

• Eating disorders: Conditions where individuals have unhealthy relationships with food, such as overeating or undereating.
• Body dysmorphia: A condition where individuals perceive flaws in their appearance that are not observable by others.
• Phobias: Extreme fears of specific objects, situations, or activities.
• Panic episodes: Sudden, intense periods of fear or discomfort, often associated with stress.
• Stress and anxiety: Feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.
• Depression: Persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, affecting daily life.
• Self-harm: Deliberate injury to oneself, which may include cutting or burning.
• Irrational thoughts: Persistent thoughts that are distressing and not based on reality.
• Sleep disturbances: Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns, indicating underlying mental health issues.

Recognizing Signs of Mental Ill Health

It's important to recognize signs that indicate potential mental health issues:

• Changes in behaviour or mood, such as increased irritability or withdrawal.
• Difficulty coping with daily tasks that were previously manageable.
• Inability to think clearly or make decisions.
• Physical symptoms like changes in appetite or sleep patterns.

If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, it may indicate the presence of mental ill health that requires attention and support.