Tag: isolation

Warning Signs Of Mental Illness

WELL-BEING

Mental illness affects many people. It can include conditions like depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Many times, a person will show early signs of mental illness. This means they can get medical help before the condition becomes serious.

Changes in behavior

Sometimes a person’s actions or personality seems to change when they have a mental illness. Some signs include:

* Mood swings. Mood and attitude may shift back and forth from happy to sad or angry.

* Fear or feeling uneasy. A person may feel afraid, anxious or panicked about everyday things.

* Lack of interest. They may not want to do activities or be around people.

* Trouble with work performance or schoolwork.

Changes in thoughts

* Feeling out of control. They may be unable to manage daily tasks or stress.

* Clouded thinking. It may feel like they can’t concentrate on tasks or remember things.

* Feeling numb. They may have trouble feeling emotions about anything.

* Not being connected with reality. A person’s thoughts or actions may not be logical or make sense.

Physical changes

Mental illness can affect the body, too. Some changes to watch for include:

* Feeling very tired or sleeping much more than usual.

* Getting very little sleep or an inability to sleep.

* Eating much more than usual.

* Eating less than usual or not at all.

* Changes in senses like smell, touch or sight.

* Unexplained injuries, like repeated cuts or scratches. These can be signs of self-harm.

Get medical care

If you notice these signs in yourself, talk with your doctor. Mental illness is a real illness, and there are treatments available to help. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to tell someone.

If these changes happen to a loved one, talk with them about getting medical care. Tell them you are here for them and want to help.

If you or a loved one has thoughts of suicide, seek emergency care or go to an emergency room.

Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Paranoia

Mental Health

A person who is paranoid has fears, such as being watched, harmed or poisoned. He or she does not trust others and is suspicious that others are “out to get” him or her. It is normal to wonder if people are talking about you when you hear them whispering as you walk into a room. These thoughts are usually passed off and not dwelled upon for most people. A person who is paranoid, however, dwells upon suspicious thoughts. He or she goes out of their way to prove their suspicions even though no evidence exists to confirm their thoughts.

Symptoms

* Use and/or withdrawal of certain drugs, such as crack cocaine and angel dust (PCP)

* Alcohol withdrawal

* Deafness or problems with hearing

* Illnesses that affect the central nervous system, such as Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, a stroke, a brain tumor

* Mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia

* Paranoid personality disorder

How to Recognize the Disorder

A person with paranoia may:

* Appear cold and aloof

* Be withdrawn and anxious in social situations

* Act stubborn and combative

* Appear “on guard” at all times, out of fear of being harmed

A paranoid person also:

* Complains about his or her health and often feels vulnerable and inferior to others

* Holds grudges easily

* Displays bitterness and resentment toward others

* May be easily drawn into religious cults or other groups with strict beliefs

* Can have delusions of being persecuted

Treatment

Treatment for paranoia depends on its cause. If it is a symptom of another condition, treatment for the condition will often take care of or lessen the paranoia. Paranoid personality disorder is treated with counseling, support therapy and sometimes with medication. Treatment for this disorder is not easy, though, due to the nature of paranoia. Persons who are paranoid often do not trust others including doctors, therapists or family members trying to help them get treatment.

What You Can Do to Help Someone

* The most important thing you can do is to encourage your friend or relative to get professional help. Be aware that you may need to make the initial appointment with a professional. You may also need to take them to the appointment and stay with them.

* Be supportive. Paranoia requires patience, understanding, love and encouragement of the person’s loved ones and friends.

* Be aware of the types of medication your friend or relative takes and when they should take it. You should also alert their physician or psychiatrist to any side effects that you notice when they do or do not take their medication.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026

Tag: isolation

Warning Signs Of Mental Illness

Paranoia