Early Warning Signs of Mental Illness

Mental Health Month was established in 1949 to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Mental health was never truly understood in early times, thus the reason people tried to hide their feelings and emotions so not to be judged and criticized by those around them. They didn’t have the tools and the knowledge to understand that mental health was an illness.

Times have changed and mental health is a conversation around the world with tools and treatment plans available to help those struggling with mental illness. Mental Health America (MHA) has the B4Stage4 Philosophy that everyone should take a moment to understand. The point is made that we do not wait years to treat cancer, diabetes, or other serious conditions and that when symptoms are first experienced, typically you are trying to get treatment right away. MHA notes that people should be paying attention to early warning signs of mental illness such as loss of sleep, feeling tired for no reason, feeling down or anxious, and other such symptoms.

Act now. Time is so critical when seeing such symptoms in a loved one or yourself. Don’t tell yourself that you are fine, knowing that you aren’t. Do not let navigating the health care system or insurance be the reason for not getting help. Educate yourself and get the help that is needed.

CalCPA Health medical subscribers have access to understanding mental health and what resources are available to them (Visit https://www.anthem.com/ca/mental-health). Another resource CalCPA Health medical members have access to is LiveHealth Online which offers psychology and psychiatrist visits online.

If you or someone you know needs help now, you should call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or call 911.