reassurance by working with you to establish long-term
and short-term treatment goals for your loved one.
KNOWING WHEN TO SEEK TREATMENT FOR
MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS
Knowing when to seek treatment for mental health
disorders is important for parents and families. Many
times, families, spouses, teachers, or friends are the
first to suspect that their loved one or their student is
challenged by feelings, behaviors, and/or environmental
conditions that cause him or her to act disruptive,
rebellious, or sad. This may include, but is not limited
to, problems with relationships with friends or family
members, work, school, sleeping, eating, substance
abuse, emotional expression, development, coping,
attentiveness, and responsiveness.
It’s also important to know that people of different
ages will show different symptoms and behaviors.
Familiarizing yourself with the common behaviors of
children, teens, and adults that make it hard for them
to adapt to situations will often help to identify any
problems early when they can be treated. It’s important
for families who suspect a problem in one, or more, of
these areas to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Treatment for mental health disorders is available and
usually effective.
What are the symptoms of a potential problem in an adult?
These are the most common symptoms of a potential
emotional, behavioral, or developmental problem in
an adult. However, each person may have different
symptoms. Symptoms may include:
» » Appetite changes (significant weight gain or loss)
» » Continuous or frequent aggression
» » Continuous or frequent anger (for periods longer
than 6 months)
» » Excessive worry or anxiety
» » Threats to self or others
» » Thoughts of death
» » Thoughts or talk of suicide
» » Destructive behaviors (like criminal activity
or stealing)
» » Sexually “acting out”
» » Lying or cheating
» » Many physical complaints, including being
constantly tense or frequent aches and pains that
can’t be traced to a physical cause or injury
» » Sudden feelings of panic, dizziness, or increased
heartbeat
» » Increased feelings of guilt, helplessness,
or hopelessness
» » Decreased energy
The symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral, or
developmental problem may look like other conditions.
Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Information for this article was provided by Halifax Health.
» » Significant decline in work performance, poor work
attendance, or lack of productivity
» » Social withdrawal from activities,
friends, or family
» » Substance (alcohol and drugs)
abuse
» » Sleep disturbances (persistent
nightmares, insomnia,
hypersomnia, or flashbacks)
» » Depression (poor mood, negativity,
or mood swings)
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