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what is mental illness? | |
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symptoms | |
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| children | ||
| seniors | ||
| caregivers | ||
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facts & myths | |
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good advice | |
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resource links |
Stress, anger, guilt, and grief related to caregiving can lead to depression. Caregivers can experience grief at any point in the disease process. You should seek help if the grieving process is so prolonged that it affects both physical and mental well-being. Symptoms can include:
Restlessness,
irritability; becoming easily
agitated or angered
Persistent
sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
Feelings of
hopelessness, pessimism; feeling
that nothing
you do is good enough
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
Loss
of interest or pleasure in hobbies
and activities
that were once enjoyed,
including
sex
Change in
sleep patterns--too much sleep
or not
enough; feeling tired all the time
Thoughts of
death or suicide; suicide
attempts
Ongoing physical
symptoms that do not
respond
to treatment, such as headaches,
digestive disorders
and chronic pain.
Please note: This
guide is for informational purposes only.
It is not meant to
be used as a diagnostic
tool. It is very
important that you seek a professional evaluation if you
have concerns about yourself or a loved one.
"We envision a future when everyone with a mental illness will recover, a future when mental illnesses can be prevented or cured, a future when mental illnesses are detected early, and a future when everyone with a mental illness at any stage of life has access to effective treatment and supports— essentials for living, working, learning and participating fully in the community."
Vision Statement, The President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, 2003
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