Recognize

SYMPTOMS
The following are signs that you or a loved one may need help from a medical or mental health professional:

MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION TO SEEK HELP

One thing that makes it difficult to distinguish normal mental health from mental illness is that there is no easy test to show if something is wrong. Though mental disorders may have a biological cause, there is no clear medical test for mental illness. Diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders is based on signs, symptoms and how much the condition affects day-to-day life. Signs and symptoms commonly show up as:

Behaviours: For example, obsessive hand washing or drinking too much alcohol

Feelings: For example, deep or ongoing sadness, euphoria or anger

Unusual thoughts: For example, an overwhelming that the television is controlling your mind, or thoughts of suicide

Physical signs and symptoms: For example, sweating, racing heartbeat or uncontrolled rapid breathing (hyperventilation)

GETTING TO A DIAGNOSIS
Experts often use a combination of the following approaches:

Your signs and symptoms: Doctors and mental health professionals rely on comparing your signs and symptoms to written guidelines that list signs and symptoms of known mental disorders. Diagnosing a mental disorder is easier in people who have a number of common signs and symptoms, but more difficult in people whose signs and symptoms are not as clear. Signs and symptoms of a mental disorder can differ from person to person and can change over time. Generally, a mental illness is diagnosed only when signs and symptoms are persistent and bothersome.

Your own perceptions: How you perceive your own thoughts and behaviours and how much your symptoms affect day-to-day activities can help determine what is normal for you. You may believe that you are not coping well or that you are not able to or do not care to do routine activities or the things you used to enjoy. If you have depression, the dishes may go unwashed for days, stop meeting relatives or friends and you may stop bathing. You may feel sad, hopeless or discouraged and realize that something's amiss and that you do not enjoy life anymore. If your sadness is caused by a situation, such as a death in the family, divorce or loss of job, your feelings could be a normal, temporary reaction. But if you have signs and symptoms that are severe or fail to go away with time, it may be depression.

Others' perceptions: Your own perceptions alone may not give you an accurate picture of your behaviour, thoughts and the rationale/logic for your actions. Other people in your life, on the other hand, might be able to do so. To you, your life may seem normal, but what you think of as quirks or personality traits may be causing more problems than you realize. To those around you, your behaviour may seem odd or disruptive. For example, if you have bipolar disorder, you may think your mood swings are just part of the normal ups and downs of life. But to others, your thoughts and actions may appear abnormal or cause problems at work, in relationships or in other areas of your life.