Local

Is someone you know mentally ill? Here are some of the warning signs

Getty Images

READ MORE


‘There’s something terribly wrong’

His family tried to save him. They blame his downward spiral into death on his mental illness, and his lawyers.

Expand All

The signals of mental illness may be very noticeable — or not. Here are some of the warning signs, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

For adults and adolescents:

Excessive worry or fear

Excessive feelings of despair or sadness

Problems with learning or concentration

Confused thinking

Major changes in mood, such as euphoria

Prolonged irritability or anger

Abnormal sleeping patterns

Fatigue or low energy levels

Difficulty relating to others

Avoiding social situations

Changes in eating habits

Changes in sexual activity

Breaks with reality, such as delusions or hallucinations

Drug or alcohol abuse

Frequent thoughts of suicide

Inability to handle daily activities or stress

For children:

Hyperactivity

Temper tantrums

Excessive worry or anxiety

Changes in school performance

Frequent nightmares

This story was originally published September 19, 2021 at 5:00 AM.

Bill Lukitsch
The Kansas City Star
Bill Lukitsch covered nighttime breaking news for The Kansas City Star since 2021, focusing on crime, courts and police accountability. Lukitsch previously reported on politics and government for The Quad-City Times.
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER

‘There’s something terribly wrong’

His family tried to save him. They blame his downward spiral into death on his mental illness, and his lawyers.