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what is mental illness? | |
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symptoms | |
| adults | ||
| children | ||
| seniors | ||
| caregivers | ||
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facts & myths | |
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good advice | |
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resource links |
Keep in mind that some seniors experience a few symptoms, some many. Severity of symptoms varies with individuals and also varies over time.
Confused thinking
Persistent
sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies
and activities
that were once enjoyed,
including sex
Decreased
energy, fatigue, being
"slowed
down"
Difficulty concentrating, remembering,
making decisions
Insomnia, early-morning awakening,
or oversleeping
Appetite and/or
weight loss or overeating
and weight
gain
Thoughts of
death or suicide;
suicide attempts
Restlessness,
irritability
Persistent
physical symptoms that do not
respond
to treatment, such as headaches,
digestive
disorders, and chronic pain
Grandiose
notions
Increased
talking; racing thoughts
Inappropriate
social behavior
Delusions
or hallucinations (seeing or
hearing
things that are not really there)
Increasing
inability to cope with daily
problems
and activities
Denial
of obvious problems
Many
unexplained physical problems
Abuse
of drugs and/or alcohol
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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