Artwork by Erin Kim
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a mental illness or mental disorder can be “characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, or behaviour.” For many children and teens, the word “mental disorder” can bring feelings of fear and uncomfort. However, mental instability is much more common than people usually assume. It is estimated that 1 in every 8 people in the world live with a mental disorder, and of course, needing help to cope with your emotions is nothing to be ashamed of, whether you are a child, teen, or adult. The word “mental illness” itself is not referring to a single disease or condition, but a range of different issues varying for individuals. Some examples of common mental illnesses are depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviors.
What are the signs of a Mental Illness?
Mental health affects a large number of people all over the globe, but as common as it is, it can often be hard to accurately detect the signs of an underlying disorder. In children, some indicators of a mental illness can be anything from frequent mood swings, changes in eating habits, and persistent sadness or aggression. From the National Alliance of Mental Illness, we can find some warning signs in adults as well. We should always keep in mind that each type of mental illness may have different symptoms, but here are the most frequent signs to watch out for: suicidal thoughts, overabuse of alcohol or drugs, changes in sex drive, avoiding people and social settings, and an intense fear of weight gain or loss.
What We Shouldn’t We Do?
If you notice that your family member or friend has been acting differently lately, and are suspecting that there may be something more than a simple mood change – please do not jump to conclusions or try to diagnose them. It may come off as offensive to some people, and since you are not a medical expert, it is not a good idea to pry into their private situation. Some examples of things you definitely should not say to someone when you haven’t understood the full picture would be “It’s all in your head”, or “Stop being so emotional”, or “Don’t be sensitive and weird.” On another note, many parents are afraid of the stigma linked to mental illnesses, and do not understand how to properly care for a child behaving differently from “normal”. So, instead of jumping to conclusions, we can be a good listener, and try not to overstep or scold children for “acting up”. Please be mindful and considerate of the fact that everyone has different ways of processing change, and that what we think is “correct” may not be the case for everyone.
How Can We Find or Offer Help?
Mental illnesses are a sensitive issue, and confronting someone directly about it may make them uncomfortable and embarrassed. Instead, try to genuinely listen to their emotions, tread lightly, and offer reassurance to the problems they share. Be patient, and once you think you have reached a certain point of comfort with them, try offering some practical suggestions like seeing an expert.
Citations
“Mental disorders.” 2022. World Health Organization (WHO). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders.
“Mental illness - Symptoms and causes.” 2022. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968.
“Know the Warning Signs.” n.d. NAMI. Accessed March 25, 2024. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms.
“How to support someone with a mental health problem.” n.d. Mental Health Foundation. Accessed March 25, 2024. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/articles/how-support-someone-mental-health-problem.
“For Friends and Family Members.” 2023. SAMHSA. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/how-to-talk/friends-and-family-members.
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