Mental health counselling in Kerala are often subtle but crucial to recognize for timely diagnosis and treatment. According to WHO, a mental disorder is characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior. It is usually associated with distress or impairment in important areas of functioning. Online counselling in malayalam
Unfortunately, mental illness and its symptoms are not taken seriously enough by society even today. Many people try to attribute mental health issues to supernatural forces, curses, or other superstitions. Instead of seeking scientific treatment, some individuals exploit vulnerable people by performing rituals and other practices that can worsen their mental health.
Mental health is a delicate field that requires careful handling, but it’s often neglected. Mental illnesses often exhibit symptoms early on, affecting a person’s daily life and relationships. Changes in daily routines, emotional shifts, anxious and depressed behavior, and alterations in interactions with others can all be indicative of mental health issues.
It’s essential to recognize these signs and seek scientific treatment. While it’s normal to experience some anxiety and stress in life, persistent and debilitating symptoms can be a sign of a mental health issue. In some cases, these issues can arise from genetic factors or be triggered by life events. By understanding and addressing mental health issues in a compassionate and scientific manner, we can work towards creating a more supportive and inclusive environment for those affected. Where to get mental health counselling in Kerala
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In India, the overall prevalence of common mental disorders (CMDs), encompassing depressive and anxiety disorders, was 5.1% in the 2016 National Mental Health Survey, with a treatment gap of 80.4%.
Early Signs of Mental Illness : Mental Health Counselling in Kerala
Mental health issues can manifest in various ways, and early detection is crucial for effective treatment and support. Here are some early signs of mental illness that you shouldn’t ignore:
Emotional Changes:
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness: Feeling down, empty, or hopeless for an extended period.
- Increased anxiety or worry: Excessive fear, anxiety, or worry that interferes with daily life.
- Mood swings: Rapid or intense mood changes, such as irritability or anger.
- Loss of interest in activities: Avoiding activities that were once enjoyable.
Behavioral Changes:
- Changes in sleep patterns: Insomnia, oversleeping, or difficulty falling/staying asleep.
- Changes in appetite: Significant changes in eating habits or weight.
- Social withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions or relationships.
- Increased risk-taking behavior: Engaging in impulsive or reckless behavior.
Cognitive Changes:
- Difficulty concentrating: Struggling to focus or make decisions.
- Memory problems: Forgetting important tasks, appointments, or conversations.
- Confusion or disorganization: Difficulty with daily tasks or maintaining a routine.
Physical Symptoms:
- Fatigue or low energy: Persistent tiredness or lack of motivation.
- Headaches or body aches: Frequent or severe physical pain without a clear cause.
- Digestive problems: Stomach issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Other Signs:
- Increased substance use: Using substances as a coping mechanism.
- Self-harm or suicidal thoughts: Engaging in self-destructive behavior or having thoughts of harming oneself.
- Paranoia or hallucinations: Experiencing distorted reality or hearing/seeing things that aren’t there.
Symptoms of mental health disorders
There are various mental health disorders with distinct symptoms, duration, and characteristics. Symptoms can vary depending on the individual’s physical and mental condition. Mental health issues can manifest as physical complaints, making diagnosis challenging. Some physical illnesses may present with mental health symptoms.
Mental illnesses can manifest suddenly (within hours or days) or gradually over time. Acute psychosis, for example, may be quickly noticeable, while conditions like dementia and schizophrenia may develop slowly over months or years.
Life stressors, adverse circumstances, and physical or emotional losses can contribute to the onset of mental illness, especially in acute cases. However, not all mental illnesses have an identifiable cause.
Early Signs of Mental Health Issues
Mental health issues can exhibit symptoms before the full-blown illness develops. Careful observation can help identify these signs. Problems that affect your life or relationships can be an early indication of a mental health issue.
If left untreated, these issues can escalate into more severe mental health conditions. Seeking necessary treatment, counseling, or therapy can help prevent this progression and improve overall well-being.
1.Sleep Disturbances as a Symptom of Mental Health Issues
Sleep disturbances can be a symptom of various mental health conditions. Normal sleep patterns indicate good physical and mental health. However, persistent sleep problems can be a sign of underlying issues.
Types of Sleep Disturbances:
- Initial Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep, often due to anxiety, depression, or mania.
- Terminal Insomnia: Waking up too early and unable to fall back asleep, commonly seen in depression.
- Total Insomnia: Complete loss of sleep, often reported by patients with mania, depression, or schizophrenia.
Other Sleep-Related Issues:
- Hypersomnia: Excessive sleepiness, which can be a symptom of depression or other mental health conditions.
- Narcolepsy: Sudden, uncontrollable sleep episodes, often during the day.
- Parasomnias: Abnormal behaviors during sleep, such as:
- Sleepwalking: Walking around during sleep, which can be a sign of underlying issues.
- Somniloquy: Talking during sleep, often a symptom of anxiety.
- Nocturnal Enuresis: Bedwetting, which can be a sign of underlying anxiety or physical health issues.
- Nightmares: Distressing dreams that can be a symptom of various mental health conditions.
Persistent sleep disturbances can significantly impact daily life and may require professional help. If you’re experiencing ongoing sleep problems, it’s essential to seek medical attention to address underlying issues.
2. Appetite Changes as a Symptom of Mental Health Issues
Changes in appetite can be a significant indicator of mental health problems. Appetite disturbances can manifest in two ways:
- Loss of Appetite: Decreased interest in food, reduced food intake, or even aversion to food. This can be seen in individuals with depression.
- Increased Appetite: Excessive hunger and increased food intake, often observed in individuals with mania or as a side effect of certain medications. Some types of depression can also lead to increased appetite
These changes in appetite can be a symptom of underlying mental health issues, and it’s essential to address these concerns to ensure overall well-being
3.Sexuality and Mental Health
Mental health issues can impact sexuality, leading to:
- Decreased libido or impotence due to depression, stress, or hormonal imbalances.
- Increased libido or hypersexuality in some cases of brain disorders.
These changes in sexual desire or function can be symptoms of underlying mental health conditions.
4. Thought and Speech
Thoughts are primarily conveyed through speech. Disruptions in thought processes can manifest in speech patterns, often appearing as errors.
Changes in Thought Patterns:
- Phobias: Irrational fears of specific objects, situations, or circumstances, such as:
- Specific phobias (e.g., fear of a particular animal)
- Agoraphobia (fear of crowds or public places)
- Social phobia (fear of speaking in public)
- Obsessions: Recurring, intrusive thoughts that are recognized as irrational but cannot be controlled. Compulsive behaviors may accompany these thoughts, such as:
- Excessive cleaning or washing
- Repeated checking (e.g., locks or gas)
- These symptoms are characteristic of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Delusions: Fixed, false beliefs that are not amenable to reason or evidence. Examples include:
- Persecutory delusions (e.g., believing others are plotting against them)
- Delusions of control (e.g., believing others can control one’s thoughts)
- These symptoms are often seen in Schizophrenia
- Other Speech-Related Symptoms
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- Rapid speech
- Mutism (not speaking at all)
- Disconnected or incoherent speech
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These changes in thought and speech patterns can be indicative of various mental health conditions, such as Schizophrenia, OCD, or Mania.
5. Perceptual Disturbances
- Hallucinations: A state where a person experiences sensations that aren’t based on real stimuli. These can include:
- Hearing voices or sounds that aren’t there
- Seeing things that arena’t there
- Feeling tactile sensations, such as insects crawling on the skin (common in cocaine users)
- Experiencing altered tastes or smells (sometimes seen in Alzheimer’s disease)
- Illusions: Misperceiving real objects or stimuli, such as:
- Mistaking a rope for a snake
These perceptual disturbances can be symptoms of various mental health conditions or substance-induced states.
6. Changes in Motor Activity
- Underactivity: A decrease in physical activity, including:
- Slowed speech and movement
- Reduced mobility, including walking and associated body movements
- In severe cases, complete immobility, potentially leading to a state of stupor, which requires emergency medical attention.
- Overactivity: The opposite state, characterized by increased physical activity.
- Abnormal movements: Other changes can include:
- Unusual facial expressions or mannerisms
- Prolonged immobility or rigidity
These changes in motor activity can be symptoms of various mental health conditions or neurological disorders.
7. Mood Disturbances
Mood disturbances are a key symptom of mental health conditions, characterized by changes in emotional expression that are inconsistent with the situation. There may be a discrepancy between the emotions described by the patient and their facial expressions.
- Depressive Mood: An excessive and prolonged feeling of sadness that is disproportionate to the situation.
- Anxiety: Unwarranted anxiety or fear, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as:
- Palpitations
- Trembling
- Dry mouth
- Excessive Elation: Unfounded feelings of happiness, often accompanied by:
- Increased energy
- Increased talkativeness
- Some patients may also exhibit a lack of emotional expression.
Primary Mental Functions
These include:
- Attention
- Concentration
- Memory
- Orientation
- Intelligence
- Judgment
These functions can be impaired in conditions that affect the brain.
Insight refers to a patient’s ability to recognize their illness. In severe mental health conditions, this ability may be completely lost.
8. Other Issues
Other problems that may be observed include:
- Lack of attention to personal hygiene and grooming
- Unusual dressing style
- Decreased interest in studies or work
- Repeated failures
- Causing problems with others at work or in social settings
These can be early symptoms of mental health conditions. Excessive use of alcohol or drugs may also be a symptom in some cases.
While certain symptoms may be more common in specific mental health conditions, diagnosis cannot be made based on one or two symptoms alone. A diagnosis may need to be revised as more information becomes available.
Mental health red flags
- Mood changes: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or irritability.
- Withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions, friends, or family.
- Sleep disturbances: Insomnia or excessive sleepiness.
- Appetite changes: Significant weight gain or loss.
- Difficulty concentrating: Struggling to focus or make decisions.
- Increased anxiety: Excessive worry, fear, or anxiety.
- Mood swings: Extreme emotional shifts.
- Self-harm: Engaging in self-destructive behaviors.
- Substance abuse: Increased use of substances to cope.
- Loss of interest: Disinterest in activities once enjoyed.
In Thoughts or Behavior:
- Suicidal thoughts: Talking about or planning self-harm.
- Paranoia: Feeling persecuted or watched.
- Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.
- Disorganized thinking: Difficulty with logical thought processes.
- Aggression: Increased irritability or aggression.
If You Notice These Red Flags:
- Seek professional help: Consult a mental health professional.
- Support loved ones: Encourage open conversations and offer support.
- Prioritize self-care: Engage in activities promoting mental well-being.
Remember, mental health matters. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Anxiety is a common mental health condition characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear that are persistent and overwhelming. It can interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Let’s consider an example, Sarah has to give a presentation at work in front of her colleagues and supervisor. She’s been preparing for weeks, but as the presentation day approaches, she starts to feel increasingly anxious.
- Has trouble sleeping the night before the presentation
- Feels her heart racing and palms sweating when she thinks about the presentation
- Has difficulty concentrating on her work and keeps rechecking her notes
- Starts to worry that she’ll forget what to say or stumble over her words
- Considers calling in sick to avoid the presentation altogether
In this example, Sarah is experiencing anxiety related to public speaking. Her anxiety is causing physical symptoms like a racing heart and sweating, as well as emotional symptoms like worry and fear. She’s also starting to exhibit avoidance behaviors, like considering calling in sick, which can be a common coping mechanism for people with anxiety.
This is just one example, but anxiety can manifest in many different ways and situations.
Depression is a universal human emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. Many people feel sad or depressed in response to difficult situations, such as loss, grief, or guilt. However, not everyone who experiences these feelings has a depressive disorder.
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where do we draw the line between a normal emotional response and a depressive disorder? How can we identify depression?
Depression is a complex and multifaceted mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstances.
Have you noticed Soubin Shahir’s character in the movie “Kumbalangi Nights”?
There’s a scene where he presents himself as having depression to the audience. If you observe Soubin Shahir’s character in the movie before that scene, you can see many symptoms of depression. What may seem normal to others can cause significant mental distress to those experiencing it, and sometimes it may be difficult to express or convey to others.
| Anxiety | Depression |
|---|---|
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Excessive worry: Persistent fear or worry about everyday things. |
Persistent sadness: Feeling empty, hopeless, or sad for an extended period. |
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Restlessness: Feeling on edge, irritable, or restless. |
Loss of interest: Disinterest in activities, hobbies, or social interactions.
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Difficulty concentrating: Struggling to focus due to anxiety.
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Changes in appetite: Significant weight gain or loss due to changes in appetite. |
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Sleep disturbances: Insomnia or difficulty falling asleep due to anxiety. |
Sleep disturbances: Insomnia or excessive sleepiness.
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Physical symptoms: Rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, or other physical symptoms. |
Fatigue: Feeling tired or lacking energy. |
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Difficulty concentrating: Struggling to focus or make decisions.
|
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Feelings of guilt or worthlessness: Negative self-talk or self-blame |
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Suicidal thoughts: Talking about or planning self-harm. |
Emotional symptoms of mental disorders
Are mood swings a sign of mental illness?
Mood swings can be a symptom of various mental health conditions, but having mood swings alone doesn’t necessarily mean someone has a mental illness. Mood swings can be a normal response to stress, hormonal changes, or other life events.
Sometimes, misunderstandings can occur in many things. Many things cannot be considered as symptoms of a mental disorder entirely. It’s only when these things persist for a long time and start affecting your daily life, routines, and relationships that they can be considered as symptoms.
Let’s look at what the emotional symptoms of a mental disorder are…
- Feeling persistent fatigue, hopelessness, or emptiness.
- Losing interest in activities and hobbies that were once enjoyed.
- Feeling guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.
- Experiencing irritability or restlessness.
- Having suicidal thoughts.
- Feeling excessive worry or fear.
- Fear of losing control or panicking.
- Avoidance behaviors.
- Experiencing intrusive thoughts or flashbacks.
- Manic episodes with excessive happiness.
- Significant mood swings or emotional changes.
- Impulsivity or reckless behavior.
- Increased energy and sleep disturbances.
- Frequent flashbacks and nightmares.
- Avoiding things that trigger trauma.
- Hypervigilance or exaggerated startle response.
- Emotional numbing and detachment.
A person with a mental illness can exhibit many emotional symptoms like these. Many of these symptoms can occur when experiencing minor discomfort or stress. It’s essential to understand how long these symptoms persist and how much they negatively impact your life to seek necessary treatment. Malayalam online counselling in Kerala
When experiencing such difficulties, it’s always appropriate to seek professional help. Through counseling, therapy, or other methods, the severity of these mental illnesses can be reduced. Recognizing mental health symptoms early and seeking treatment helps reduce their severity and prevents them from becoming a significant problem. Counselling for mental health in Kerala
Remember, mental illnesses are like physical illnesses and can be overcome with proper professional help. Don’t hesitate to seek the help of a mental health professional in Kerala. Everyone deserves to live a happy life
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