World Mental Health Day 2022: 10 symptoms of mental illness you shouldn't ignore

If a person worries and fears are constant and interfere with their daily life functions then it could be a symptom of generalised anxiety disorder, simply known as GAD. It is advisable to seek professional help to manage GAD.

Thoughts like ‘I’m a failure’, ‘It’s my fault’ or ‘I’m worthless’ could be signs of depression. If your colleague, friend or loved one is frequently criticising or blaming themselves, they may need help.

Paranoia that involves intense anxiety or fearful feelings causing delusions can be triggered by an underlying mental disorder or illness. It is important to seek help and get a professional diagnosis.

Excessively obsessing over one's appearance and body weight could be a symptom of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), or body dysmorphia. People with this disorder spend a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance which may lead to self-harm.

Significant changes to behaviour and feeling over time could be a sign of an existing or a developing mental health disorder.

Using substances such as alcohol or drugs to cope can be a sign of mental health conditions. Substance abuse can also exacerbate mental illness.

Sudden and dramatic changes in mood which are out of the normal, such as extreme distress or anger, can be a symptom of underlying mental illness.

Lasting changes to a person's sleep patterns may be a symptom of a mental health disorder such as insomnia due to anxiety or substance abuse.

Trailing off during conversations or losing train of thought may indicate issues with memory or could be a symptom of depression.