The earlier the symptoms of a mental health or substance use disorder are recognized as cause for concern, the sooner recovery can begin and the easier the recovery process tends to be. At Highland Hospital Behavioral Health, in Charleston, West Virginia, we treat children, adolescents, and adults with mental health and substance use disorders, and if there is one thing we wish could be different for them, it is often that they had received help sooner.
Risk Factors for Behavioral Health Disorders
Mental illness and substance use disorders can happen to anyone; however, certain things can increase the risk of a person developing such a condition:
- Genetics. A person who has a blood relative with a behavioral health disorder is not certain to develop a similar condition, but it is more likely for them than for people who aren’t related to anyone with such a diagnosis.
- Prenatal exposure. When a pregnant woman is highly stressed, has certain medical conditions, comes into contact with toxins, or uses alcohol or drugs, it can cause behavioral health issues for her child years later.
- Brain differences. Some people have brains that are built differently or manufacture different amounts of key chemicals. This can contribute to the development of mental health disorders.
- Stressful life situations. This can include losing a job, becoming homeless, having chronic medical conditions, dealing with family conflict, isolation, or loneliness, or experiencing legal or financial problems.
- Trauma history – when people experience dangerous, frightening, or overwhelming events, it increases their risk of developing behavioral health concerns. Some events that are considered potentially traumatic include warfare, sudden and/or violent loss of a loved one, natural disasters, placement in foster care, or abuse.
Early Signs of Mental Illness
A person’s stage of life may impact what signs of mental illness look like for them. It is important to remember that mental illness can begin at any time from late childhood, into adolescence, adulthood, and advanced age. Half of all mental illness starts by age 14, so don’t assume a child is too young to have a mental health condition. The symptoms a person exhibits will also depend on what disorder they are experiencing, so the lists below are general red flags.
Children
Kids have their ups and downs, but a child with a mental health disorder will show more intense and frequent issues with:
- Decreased school performance
- Signs of anxiety or worry
- Hyperactivity
- Nightmares
- Aggressive and disobedient behavior
- Seeming sad for two or more weeks
- Frequent tantrums
- Pulling away from friends and family
- Sleep issues
- Changes in eating habits
- Physical pain with no medical cause
- Poor concentration
Teens and Adults
When adolescents develop behavioral health disorders, it is often dismissed as teenage moodiness or hormones. Signs may include:
- Changes in energy levels
- Perfectionism
- Irritability or sadness that seems to last a long time
- Big extremes in mood that don’t seem related to events happening around them
- Declining hygiene and grooming habits
- Worries or fears that seem out of proportion
- Substance misuse
- Ideas that don’t align with reality
- Seeing or hearing things others cannot
How and When to Get Help
One symptom from the list above or a brief struggle isn’t necessarily an indicator of a behavioral health disorder; however, if you notice several signs that aren’t linked to an obvious event or that begin to interfere with the person’s life, then it is time to get help.
- Primary care doctor. Some medical conditions can present like behavioral health disorders. It’s a good idea to talk to a medical doctor to rule out such conditions.
- Mental health professional. If no medical cause is found for the concerning behaviors, then it would be wise to seek out therapy. Your family doctor, insurance company, or an online search may help you find a provider in your area.
- Clergy. Some individuals and groups of people are distrustful of the mental health system. They may be more comfortable accepting support from their spiritual leader or may want to consult their spiritual leader before beginning therapy.
- 988 Crisis Helpline. If the person needs to talk to someone today, to get a plan in place for managing their mental health, they can call or text 988 to reach a trained crisis counselor, who can offer virtual support and may be able to refer them to mobile crisis services to meet with them in person.
- 911 or Emergency Room. If you discover that someone you know is contemplating suicide and they are not able to make a plan to stay safe, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room. Even joking about suicide can be an indication of suicidal thoughts.
At Highland Hospital Behavioral Health, we know the importance of getting the right help at the right time. Our team offers evidence-based services, tailored to meet the needs of individuals coping with addiction and mental health concerns, at all stages of life.
