Millions of people in the United States live with mental illness. Some of the most common forms of mental illness include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. With support and treatment, people can often function well and have fulfilling lives.

Many people struggle with symptoms of mental illness for a long time before eventually seeking help. This can be because they do not feel they require treatment, are uncomfortable admitting they are struggling, or because they don’t know their symptoms are because of a treatable mental illness.

Treatment for mental illness depends on the type and severity a person experiences. Generally, it includes medications, individual therapy, holistic therapies, and increased support during and after treatment. For many, a mental health intervention can be the start of a life-changing journey.

If you or someone you love is struggling with the symptoms of a mental illness, effective treatment is available. Reach out to the caring specialists at Addiction Intervention for information about the programs we offer and how we can support your mental health.

Recognizing that it’s time for a mental health intervention is the first step in getting the help you need. Here are five clear signs that you or your loved one require mental health intervention.

1. Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors

People living with depression and other forms of mental illness may experience suicidal thoughts or exhibit suicidal behaviors. These can include thinking frequently about dying, wishing to die, making a plan to end their life, and making a suicide attempt. You must take any suicidal thoughts or behaviors seriously and seek immediate help.

2. Self-harm

Self-harm can be a sign that the person is struggling with their mental health and needs immediate treatment. It is a clear sign of a need for a mental health intervention. Some examples of self-harm include cutting your skin with a sharp object, punching or hitting yourself, pulling out hair, burning yourself, breaking bones, or causing other serious injuries. On another person, you may see unexplained cuts, scars, or bruises.

3. Poor Quality of Life

Mental illness interferes with a person’s quality of life in many ways. People who struggle with their mental health may not get regular medical or dental care, may not be able to eat healthily or regularly, or may experience homelessness or legal trouble. They may struggle with decision-making, impulsivity, or low self-confidence. Many people with mental illness may not feel included in social groups or may feel lonely or forgotten by society. They may feel hopeless and out of control in many areas of their life.

4. Addiction and Mental Health Problems

Mental illness and addiction are two conditions that, experienced individually, can complicate a person’s life. Some people with mental illness use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate their symptoms. This puts them at increased risk of developing an addiction. Some signs of addiction to drugs or alcohol include:

• Needing more of the substance to get the same effect
• Using more than intended or recommended
• Spending a lot of time thinking about, getting, using, and recovering from using the substance
• Not being able to stop on their own
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they stop or cut back
• Falling behind at work, school, or in responsibilities at home
• Legal or financial trouble related to substance use
• Engaging in risky behaviors like unsafe sex or driving while intoxicated
• Continuing to use despite negative consequences

When someone lives with addiction and mental illness, it is called having a dual diagnosis. To treat both conditions, the person must receive specialized addiction treatment and mental health treatment at the same time.

5. Unable to Care for Self

Mental illness can keep people from taking care of their basic daily needs. This may mean not showering or brushing their teeth, doing laundry or cleaning regularly, or grocery shopping and preparing meals. When a person lives with mental illness, they may experience symptoms that interfere with their ability to complete both basic and complex tasks. Their symptoms may affect their ability to work or socialize. Over time, people may lose the ability to care for themselves in any capacity.

Some signs that someone is struggling to care for themself include poor hygiene, irregular eating, not having adequate food in the home, absences at work, or missing rent or other regular payments.

Learn More About Recognizing the Need for a Mental Health Intervention

If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health issues, it is important to get comprehensive, compassionate treatment that can help you live a healthier, more fulfilling life. At Addiction Intervention, we offer a range of programs designed to help people learn the skills they need to overcome addiction and mental illness.

If you have been waiting to get the treatment you need, choose to get help today. Reach out to the caring professionals at Addiction Intervention to learn how we can support your mental health journey.