How does NAMI define mental illness?

A mental illness is a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling, behavior or mood. These conditions deeply impact day-to-day living and may also affect the ability to relate to others.

How can you tell if someone is mentally ill?

Examples of signs and symptoms include:

  • Feeling sad or down.
  • Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate.
  • Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt.
  • Extreme mood changes of highs and lows.
  • Withdrawal from friends and activities.
  • Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping.

How do you know if someone is struggling mentally?

Possible Signs of Someone Struggling with their Mental Health

  1. Emotional Outbursts. There are times when people need to let out their emotions—anger, sadness, and even happiness are all intense emotions that need to be expressed.
  2. Excessive Sleeping or Lack of Sleep.
  3. Change in Physical Appearance.
  4. Social Withdrawal.

How long does a mentally ill person live?

Summary: New research confirms that people with mental disorders have an increased risk of premature mortality. When compared to the general population, average life expectancy is respectively 10 and 7 years shorter for men and women with mental disorders.

Can you see mental illness in the eyes?

Eye changes in people with schizophrenia may be related to several factors. Widening of small veins in the retinas, known as the retinal venules, may cause symptoms of psychosis in childhood and adulthood. Experiencing visual distortions may also indicate that a person has a mental health condition.

What are the symptoms of losing your mind?

These include:

  • Low self-esteem.
  • Fearfulness.
  • Irritability.
  • Worrying.
  • Feeling helpless.
  • Getting angry easily.
  • Withdrawing from family and friends.
  • Losing interest in your favorite activities.