Is a Family Member Mentally Ill?

As symptoms of mental illness appear, family members often experience denial as they seek to cope with confusing or frightening behaviors, especially bipolar disorders and schizophrenia. Early diagnosis and  treatment is crucial, so seek guidance from a professional counselor, medical doctor, or the EAP when you notice a combination of the following symptoms: confused thinking; prolonged depression (sadness or irritability); feelings of extreme highs and lows; excessive fears, worries and anxieties; severe social withdrawal; dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits; unusually strong feelings of anger; strange thoughts (delusions); seeing or hearing things that aren’t there (hallucinations); growing inability to cope with daily problems; or suicidal statements.

If you notice a combination of these symptoms in others, patiently and kindly express your concerns. EAP can be helpful in creating a space to productively discuss mental health symptoms.

Keith Stein | 4/25/2019

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