Some warning signs of mental illness
Editor’s note: This is the first of a three-part series on mental illness from NAMI Wayne and Holmes Counties.
“I just had my 39th birthday, which I think is important because I never thought I would make it to 30.”
So said Jane (name changed for anonymity). She is one of the 1-in-5 adults in the U.S. — 43.8 million or 18.5% — who experiences mental illness in a given year. Her story began at age 12. She began experiencing hallucinations that continue to this day. Half of all chronic mental illness begins by age 14 — 75% by age 24.
The good news is the National Alliance on Mental Illness has created 10 warning signs of mental illness.
These warning signs apply to all stages of life, whether teenagers, adults or the elderly.
“Many parents are in the position of trying to figure out if their child is having normal teenage mood swings or if it is something more serious,” said Dr. Laura Stith, chief clinical officer at Child Focus. “The NAMI warning signs are specific, and this is important.”
Here are three of the NAMI warning signs:
—Feeling very sad, withdrawn or unmotivated for more than two weeks.
“All teenagers feel blue from time to time. But the specific of two weeks gives parents a very clear target to keep in mind,” Stith said.
—Making plans or trying to harm or kill oneself.
“Recognizing this warning sign could mean the difference between life and death,” Stith said. “We cannot dismiss it by thinking that the person is being dramatic and/or attention seeking.”
Stith said it is absolutely essential this person not be left alone (even for a minute) and that they be connected immediately with a professional. Suicide hotlines such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) and the national Crisis Text Line (text HOPE to 741741) are available 24/7. Wayne and Holmes counties also have the Mental Health Crisis Team number at 330-264-9029. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for people age 10-34.
—Severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships.
According to Stith, the key measure here is the mood swings cause relationship issues, not just a teen seems up and down. Stith said, “Parents should pay close attention if their son or daughter is suddenly not friends with people who have been their friends for a long time or if there is a sudden rift in relationships with relatives.”
Information is the key. “Today, families simply do not know what to do when a loved one starts exhibiting these symptoms. They do not understand that there are practical, tangible warning signs that can empower them to aid us in the assessment process,” said Cheryl Williams, clinical/operations supervisor of the Georgetown Talbert House. “Families will feel less powerless during this process if they document when their loved one starts exhibiting these symptoms. For us as service providers, we can get their loved one the help they need sooner.”
Through NAMI, Jane was able to find help to manage her mental illness. Today, she participates and leads a support group related to her specific mental illness. Jane loves reading autobiographies about other people. She loves playing clarinet in the community band and playing piano at her church. She still lives with her mental illness, but she knows she is not alone.
“Through the support group I lead, I see other people in recovery,” she said. “We support each other. We find strength in sharing experiences. That’s what NAMI is all about.”
Next week more warning signs will be discussed.
NAMI Wayne and Holmes Counties provides education and support groups for individuals and their families living with mental illness. For more information call NAMI at 330-264-1590 or email info@namiwayneholmes.org. Follow on Facebook at @NAMIWayneHolmes.