Mental illness is described as a wide range of emotional and mental conditions. Many people suffer from mental health concerns and psychiatric problems from time to time. A mental health concern can become a mental illness when some ongoing symptoms and signs lead to frequent stress that affects a person’s ability to function. 

Mental illness tends to make a person miserable and can lead to problems in their daily life, such as at work or school or in relationships. In the majority of cases, mental health symptoms can be managed with a combination of talk therapy and medications.

The signs and symptoms of mental illness can differ, depending on the disorder, circumstances and some other factors. Mental illness symptoms can affect thought, emotions, and behaviour.

The most evident signs and symptoms include:

• Confused thinking or inability to concentrate
• Feeling sad or low
• Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
• Withdrawal from friends, family, and activities
• Severe mood changes of highs and lows
• Inability to cope with daily issues or stress
• Suicidal thoughts
• Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping
• Detachment from reality, paranoia or hallucinations
• Trouble grasping and relating to situations and people
• Sex drive changes
• Major changes in eating habits
• Excessive anger, hostility or violence
• Alcohol or drug abuse