Everyone at some point can feel depressed, anxious, or stressed, but eventually these feelings go away. For people with diagnosed mental problems however, these feelings can go on for months or years and can affect anyone irrespective of age, sex, or race. The most common mental problems are mood, anxiety and schizophrenia disorders, according to Boston University's Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation. Mental problems may disrupt a person's thinking, feeling, behavior and daily functioning. Early identification and treatment is important. While symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of mental problems a person has, some general signs may indicate the need for immediate attention.
Adults
Over 26 percent of American adults suffer some type of mental problem, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Psychiatrists or other mental health professionals often look for the following signs of mental problems: prolonged sadness; fatigue; extreme anxiety; social withdrawal; thoughts of suicide; hallucinations; drug or alcohol abuse; inability to accomplish daily activities; unexplained physical ailments; weight loss; loss of appetite; and strong feelings of anger.
Older Children
Among the mental health problems that are more common than others in older children include anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, eating disorders, and schizophrenia, according to the NIMH. The following signs may require medical attention: drug use; changes in eating or sleeping behaviors; inability to accomplish simple daily tasks; defiance of authority; stealing; fear of weight gain; anger outbursts; and prolonged negativity, often accompanied by poor appetite and/or thoughts of suicide.
Younger Children
Teachers can often identify when a young child is suffering from a mental disorder since other children are available for comparison. Not acting on these signs of mental problems can have a negative impact on social interactions with other children and academic functioning. Signs of mental problems in younger children to look out for include bad grades despite great effort; hyperactivity; persistent nightmares; excessive anxiety or worry; temper tantrums; and lack of appetite, motivation, energy, and socializing.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women with mental problems bring on a number of challenges to themselves and their unborn children. In addition to complications associated with medications, expectant mothers with mental problems may have an increased risk of miscarriages, stillbirths and induced abortions. Major depression and anxiety disorders are among the mental problems that pregnant women may have, according to Stanford School of Medicine's Center for Neuroscience in Women Health. Symptoms of major depression include fatigue, restlessness, feelings of guilt, problems concentrating, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, or persistent thoughts of suicide. Symptoms of anxiety disorders include hyperventilation, panic attacks, sleeping problems, excessive worry and thoughts of harmful things happening to the unborn child.
