 |
Young Adults and Mental Illness-what are the Warning Signs?
Author: Craig Elliott  | Posted: 17-03-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 23 | Rating: (54)  (?) 
Mental illness is not just an affliction that you are born with; mental illnesses can develop over time, whether as something that was predestined to occur or as an illness that develops over time. While some mental illnesses are certainly not generally found in young people, like Alzheimer's disease, others such as depression can strike as early as childhood and mental illnesses like ADHD, though over diagnosed, does affect many children and adults.
Young adults can suffer from a wide range of mental illnesses, and are more commonly afflicted for the first time than any other age group because of their rapidly developing brains and the many new circumstances to which they are exposed to during their late teens and early twenties. Young adults are not necessarily particularly vulnerable; however, whatever mental illnesses they were possibly born with are more likely to come out of dormancy at this point in their lives.
Schizophrenia is one mental illness that often strikes for the first time in young adults. Individuals may suffer moodiness or paranoia, which can both be potentially recognized by a loved one and reported to the individual's physician. Other warning signs might include the young adult hearing voices or seeing things that are not there. Schizophrenic individuals may also experience apathy or lack of emotions and might become worse at social functions. They may also begin to have trouble concentrating or following directions and completing tasks, and their memories might suffer. Schizophrenic patients also almost always begin feeling depressed before their symptoms degenerate.
Depression is another mental illness that is very common in young adults. It is characterized by feelings of extreme helplessness, hopelessness, and is not nearly the same thing as "feeling blue" or being "down". Depression is a serious mental condition that affects millions of Americans, and can cause suicidal thoughts as well as over, or under-eating, over, or under-sleeping, and a change in moods. Depression is not something that people can just "get over" or "snap out of", and may in fact require medication or therapy or a combination of both before the individual begins to see a lifting of their symptoms. The symptoms of depression can come and go, and are similar but slightly different from the symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder, which is also known as manic depression, can be managed with medication. It is characterized with intense manic or "high" periods in which the individual becomes overly enthusiastic or optimistic and may begin tasks or plans that are not feasible. These high periods are followed by crashes and intense "lows", which can involve sleeping all day, feeling hopeless, suicide attempts, and other symptoms shared with depression.
ADHD is more of a disorder than a disease as it does not often seriously impair a young adult's ability to function normally in society, however it is possible for a young adult to have ADHD that does affect their ability to hold a job or otherwise function individually. This disorder often involves an inability to focus, being easily distracted, and similar kinds of symptoms. It may be made apparent in forgetfulness that is almost chronic or in an inability to hold still, and also with a hyper-focus on certain activities.
The diagnosis of a mental illness should be left to medical professionals; however it is often up to the family and loved ones of the affected young adult to recognize the symptoms before the individual can get treatment. Many mentally ill individuals do not know that they are suffering, or do not wish for various reasons related to their illness to seek treatment on their own.
People who love anyone affected by the above mentioned mental illnesses and by other mental illnesses should make a list of the specific symptoms that they see so that they can present these symptoms to a mental health specialist. Symptoms that you should look out for include changes in sleeping and eating patters, weight gain or loss, changes in personality, an inability to function normally, paranoia, aggression, and other unusual behavior. Even a feeling that something is "off" with a loved one might warrant extra attention or even investigation to help them get help with their mental illness.
No matter what symptoms are displayed, no diagnosis can be made until the individual who is suffering is taken to a doctor. A person taken to the hospital by police is likely to be treated and released quickly without enough attention paid to their actual needs. It is up to the family and loved ones of young adults affected by mental illness to get them help.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/young-adults-and-mental-illnesswhat-are-the-warning-signs-361409.html
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
How to Avoid Panic Attacks
By: Craig Elliott | 17/03/2008 | Mental Health
Anyone who has ever had a panic attack knows how life stopping these events can feel. A panic attack can seriously hurt your quality of life by causing you become terrified of a repeat episode. This terror is just another negative side effect of panic attacks, and you should learn to think of it as such so that you can get on with your life without the constant fear of a panic attack hanging over your head.
An Introduction to Mobile Psychiatric Rehabilitation
By: Megan Hazel | 17/03/2008 | Mental Health
People who are mentally ill also seem to be chronically afraid of hospitals, or at least seem to want to avoid medical attention in a hospital setting. Looking at it from the perspective of someone who is confused or otherwise mentally unstable, the sterile and instrument-laden halls of a hospital are indeed terrifying, and can even be considered "creepy" by a person who is not suffering from a mental condition.
How Anxiety and Depression are Connected
By: Stephanie Larkin | 13/02/2008 | Mental Health
Depression is a disorder that does not get nearly enough attention. Depressed people are often told to "cheer up" or to "look at the bright side" of things, and may spiral even deeper when they are unable to simply snap out of the mood that has such a hold on them. While depression can often lead to fatigue and listlessness, it has a close cousin by the name of anxiety. Anxiety causes the opposite effect, putting our bodies into the "fight or flight" mode that protected us in the wild.
Acupuncture - an Effective Depression Remedy?
By: Craig Elliott | 01/01/2008 | Women's Health
Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medicine - dating back to around 8,000 years ago in ancient China. Acupuncture is the art of inserting tiny needles into specific places on the body and can cure many different ailments including asthma,
An Introduction to Seasonal Affective Disorder-sad
By: Craig Smith | 01/01/2008 | Women's Health
Seasonal Affective Disorder (or S.A.D. for short) is a very real health condition that millions of people suffer from. The onset of S.A.D. typically occurs in the last few months of the year,
Top Natural Depression Remedies
By: Stephanie Larkin | 13/02/2008 | Mental Health
Most cases of depression if not all can be helped with treatment, but many people are too scared to seek treatment. They may be afraid of the questions that a therapist might ask, or they may be afraid of the medication that is designed to help with depression, but untreated depression is a very dangerous thing. There are some natural remedies that can at least help with depression.
Warning Signs of Adolescent Depression
By: Stephanie Larkin | 13/02/2008 | Mental Health
We are all concerned about the health of our children from the moment that they emerge into the world, but an overlooked aspect of their health could turn out to be one of the biggest factors. A child's mental health, and, later in life, an adolescent's mental health, have huge effects on the way that our children and teens live. Problems like depression can affect the quality of life for your adolescent, and can even affect their physical health.
Biology of Depression
By: Grant Eckert | 08/12/2007 | Mental Health
Depression is a severe and crippling emotional disorder that afflicts some 10-15% of the population worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm coming to the game on Sunday. Is there parking ...
By: Barb | 11-10-2008
I'm coming to the game on Sunday. Is there parking at the stadium for game day only? If not, where can I park?
Anti-depression drug not working (Cipralex)
By: josh | 11-10-2008
I have a male friend, 26 years old. About 3 months ago he had a psychotic episode and was given Risperdal (trade name of risperidone), 2 mg, which worked well. However, after he recovered from this event he went into severe depression. So the doctor gave him a Cipralex (sometimes called Lexapro, brand names for a Escitalopram). By now he was 4 weeks on 10 mg of Cipralex, and 5th week on 20 mg, and the drug does not seem to work (he is still depressed). He is not sure what to do next. If you have any experience or tip I will appreciate it.
In Need of Travel Suggestions
By: Tucson, AZ | 10-10-2008
My "lifelong Redskin Fan" husband & I will be in New Jersey and he wants to attend the Oct 19th game at FedEx. Tickets are not a problem - travel is. Anyone know how to travel down there, besides driving ourselves? If driving is the best way...any suggestions on parking etc. Any & all info. is appreciated!
Never ending spousal support in CA?
By: lvan | 10-10-2008
In California, can you be ordered to pay spousal support longer than you were actually married? (9 yrs. 3 mo.)
I have visitation rights but no custody...? when i ...
By: Josh | 10-10-2008
I have visitation rights but no custody...?
when i exercise these rights will i be able to lower the child support ordered to me or do i have to have a joint or sole physical custody?
For the past 5 yrs my social security ck.has 40 ...
By: leperchaun37 | 08-10-2008
For the past 5 yrs my social security ck.has 40% lien on it,placed there Pennsylvania court.. How do I get it vacated.At the time of the lien,my wife had no income but for the last 4 yrs she has received SSI.in addtion to 4o%fr my social security.What can I do.?
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Mental Health Articles
Mental Health Problems
By: jeniferhobson | 16/10/2008
Most of us suffer from mental health problems, though in varying degrees. Although mental ill-health affects a lot of people, there is still no proper definition as to what mental health problems are and what methods are required to recover.
Tips to Recover From Your Mental Health
By: Sharon Samraj | 16/10/2008
Most of us suffer from mental health problems, though in varying degrees. Although mental ill-health affects so many people, there is still no proper definition as to what mental health problems are and what methods are needed to recover. It is reported that at least 1 in 10 young people and around 1 in 4 adults experience mental health problem at some time in their lives. Mental health can mean a wide range of symptoms and disorders - like depression, anxiety, self-harm, violent tendencies, sch
Why Don’t African-americans Go to Therapy?
By: Tonya Ladipo | 15/10/2008
There are many different ideas about why we don’t seek therapy. Some believe that it is only for wealthy, White people, others believe that you don’t go outside the family with your problems. Some of these thoughts keep us struggling more than we need to. Here are some of the more prevalent ones.
What is Speech Fear?
By: Joan Shine | 15/10/2008
People, on usual, hate the idea of generous an address. If you have ever been required to take a course in broadcast tongue at the high teach or school direct you have probably witnessed what potent forms of talking phobia can yield. Shakiness, stuttering, obvious sweating, hyperventilation and even
What is Social Phobia
By: Joan Shine | 15/10/2008
People with Social Anxiety or think that they might have this state must be opened about it and see a surgeon to be given appropriate healing before it's too behind.
What is Erythrophobia
By: Joan Shine | 15/10/2008
Individuals flush due to several reasons-they may be hot or irritated or also uncomfortable, or it could also be some other aspect that is the wits for the retiring. Nevertheless nobody of these reasons harness for individuals who experience undue retiring.
What is Agoraphobia
By: Joan Shine | 15/10/2008
Many of us have heard of mental disorders, and most of us think that only certain people become afflicted with these conditions. However this is only not the situation. Mental disorders embrace panic attacks, worry disorders and shared anxieties as well. These attacks can sort from mild discomfort to
What is a Phobia?
By: Joan Shine | 15/10/2008
Phobia comes from the Greek word for "fear". It is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities, or persons. The main symptom of this disorder is the excessive, unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. When the fear is beyond one's control or if the fear is interfering with daily
More from Craig Elliott
How to Avoid Panic Attacks
By: Craig Elliott | 17/03/2008 | Mental Health
Anyone who has ever had a panic attack knows how life stopping these events can feel. A panic attack can seriously hurt your quality of life by causing you become terrified of a repeat episode. This terror is just another negative side effect of panic attacks, and you should learn to think of it as such so that you can get on with your life without the constant fear of a panic attack hanging over your head.
|
|
Health 
