Major mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder rarely appear 'out of the blue'. Most often family, friends, teachers, or individuals themselves recognize that 'something is not quite right' about their thinking, feelings, or behavior. If several of the following are occurring, a serious condition may be developing:
- Recent social withdrawal and loss of interest in others.
- An unusual drop in functioning, especially at school or work, such as quitting sports, failing in school, or difficulty performing familiar tasks.
- Problems with concentration, memory, or logical thought and speech that are hard to explain.
- Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells or touch; avoidance of over-stimulating situations.
- Loss of initiative or desire to participate in any activity.
- A vague feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one’s surroundings; a sense of unreality.
- Unusual or exaggerated beliefs about personal powers to understand meanings or influence events; illogical or magical thinking typical of childhood in an adult.
- Fear or suspiciousness of others or a strong nervous feeling.
- Uncharacteristic, peculiar behavior.
- Dramatic sleep and appetite changes or in personal hygiene.
- Rapid or dramatic shifts in feelings or 'mood swings'.
Parenting and being part of a family are very important to the mental health and well-being of children and young people. You may not realise it, but you are already protecting your children’s mental health and well-being just by:
- Showing your affection, interest and care for your children’s well-being.
- Encouraging your children to talk about their feelings and to work out problems even when it is difficult.
- Comforting your children when they are distressed or anxious.
- Spending time with your children, working on projects and taking part in activities together.
- Being aware of your children’s needs and differences at different stages of development.
- Providing consistent care and avoiding harsh discipline.
- Spending time individually with each of your children.
- Trying not to involve your children in your arguments.
- Recent social withdrawal and loss of interest in others.
- An unusual drop in functioning, especially at school or work, such as quitting sports, failing in school, or difficulty performing familiar tasks.
- Problems with concentration, memory, or logical thought and speech that are hard to explain.
- Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells or touch; avoidance of over-stimulating situations.
- Loss of initiative or desire to participate in any activity.
- A vague feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one’s surroundings; a sense of unreality.
- Unusual or exaggerated beliefs about personal powers to understand meanings or influence events; illogical or magical thinking typical of childhood in an adult.
- Fear or suspiciousness of others or a strong nervous feeling.
- Uncharacteristic, peculiar behavior.
- Dramatic sleep and appetite changes or in personal hygiene.
- Rapid or dramatic shifts in feelings or 'mood swings'.
Parenting and being part of a family are very important to the mental health and well-being of children and young people. You may not realise it, but you are already protecting your children’s mental health and well-being just by:
- Showing your affection, interest and care for your children’s well-being.
- Encouraging your children to talk about their feelings and to work out problems even when it is difficult.
- Comforting your children when they are distressed or anxious.
- Spending time with your children, working on projects and taking part in activities together.
- Being aware of your children’s needs and differences at different stages of development.
- Providing consistent care and avoiding harsh discipline.
- Spending time individually with each of your children.
- Trying not to involve your children in your arguments.