Courtesy of NAMI of Buffalo and Western New York  

The importance of measures to protect mental health has garnered renewed attention in recent years. As that shift has taken place, measures to safeguard mental health have become vital components of the health and wellness routines of people from all walks of life.

Education is a key part of mental health care. Once stigmatized, mental health issues are now better understood, thanks to education that has raised awareness of mental illness and its prevalence across all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. One of the first steps in learning about mental health is to recognize the warning signs and symptoms that may indicate mental illness. The National Alliance on Mental Illness notes that each illness has its own symptoms, but there are common indicators that characterize various conditions. According to NAMI, signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents may include: 

  • Excessive worrying or fear 
  • Feeling excessively sad or low 
  • Confusion when thinking or difficulty concentrating and learning 
  • Extreme changes in mood, including uncontrollable highs or feelings of euphoria 
  • Feelings of irritability or anger that are prolonged or strong  
  • Reluctance to engage with friends and avoidance of social activities 
  • Difficulty understanding or relating to other people 
  • Alterations in sleeping habits, feeling tired, or lacking energy 
  • Changes in eating habits, such as increased hunger or lack of appetite 
  • Changes in sex drive 
  • Difficulty perceiving reality, which may be marked by delusions or hallucinations 
  • Inability to perceive changes in one’s own feelings, behavior, or personality 
  • Excessive consumption of substances like alcohol or drugs 
  • Multiple physical ailments without obvious causes 
  • Thoughts about suicide 
  • An inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress 
  • An intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance 

Even young, school-aged children can experience mental health issues or illness. In young children, symptoms may manifest behaviorally, as NAMI notes, because they are still learning to identify and talk about their thoughts and emotions. Young children dealing with mental health issues may exhibit these symptoms:

  • Changes in school performance 
  • Excessive worry or anxiety.  
  • Hyperactive behavior 
  • Frequent nightmares 
  • Frequent disobedience or aggression 
  • Frequent temper tantrums 

The World Health Organization estimates that more than one billion people worldwide are living with mental health conditions. For more information about mental illness, visit our local NAMI chapter at https://www.namibuffalony.org. For help with resources, support groups, and more, call 716-226-6264. Learn about upcoming events, including the NAMI Walk on August 8, at https://www.namiwalks.org/buffalowny.