Self Evaluation
The symptoms below are simply a guide to better understanding the mental illnesses we specialize in here at Skyland Trail. If you or someone you know appears suicidal or indicates suicidal thoughts, call 911 immediately.
If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties that you believe might be mental illness, please review the following disorders and the potential symptoms for each. Note that not all symtoms are present in all cases. In the event that several symptoms seem to apply, consult with a qualified mental health professional for diagnosis.
Schizophrenia
These symptoms can be potential indicators of schizophrenia.
Note that not all symptoms are present in all cases. In the event that several symptoms seem to apply, consult with a qualified mental health professional for diagnosis.
- False or delusional ideas, such as feeling constantly watched or imagining celebrity status
- Hallucinations and hearing imaginary voices that give commands or make comments
- Seeing, feeling, tasting or smelling something that does not exist
- Disordered thinking and speech, moving from topic to topic without apparent logic, making up words
- Social withdrawal, limited speaking
- Extreme apathy, lack of drive or ambition
- Lack of emotional response
- Difficulty in paying attention, remembering, solving problems or organizing thoughts
Depression
Each of these can be symptoms of depression. Not all symptoms are present in each case.
In the event that multiple symptoms seem to apply, consult with a qualified mental health professional for diagnosis.
- Insomnia; sleeping too much; awakening in early morning; interrupted sleep
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Irritability and restlessness
- Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
- Indifference to very important situations
- Loss of interest or lack of pleasure in activities, including sex
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Feelings of guilt and hopelessness; a sense of being worthless; ongoing sadness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Persistent physical symptoms that don’t respond to treatment (such as chronic pain or digestive disorders)
Bipolar Disorder
Moods swings between mania and depression — sometimes with periods of feeling normal — are characteristic of bipolar disorder. These are some potential indicators of the manic and depressive phase of bipolar disorder.
Note that not all symptoms are present in all cases. In the event that several symptoms seem to apply, consult with a qualified mental health professional for diagnosis.
Manic Phase
- Increased energy, activity, restlessness, racing thoughts and rapid talking
- Tendency to become easily distracted
- Denial that anything is wrong
- Excessive "high" or euphoric feelings
- Extreme irritability
- Decreased need for sleep
- Extreme exaggeration of one's abilities and powers
- Uncharacteristically poor judgment
- Hypersexuality
- Abuse of drugs, including cocaine, alcohol and sleeping medications
- Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
Depressive Phase
- Feelings of sadness, hopelessness
- Insomnia, sleeping too much, awakening in early morning, interrupted sleep
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Irritability and restlessness
- Reduced appetite and weight loss, or weight gain and increased appetite
- Indifference to very important situations
- Loss of interest or lack of pleasure in activities, including sex
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Feelings of guilt and hopelessness; a sense of being worthless
- Thoughts of death or suicide, including suicide attempts
- Abuse of drugs, including cocaine, alcohol and sleeping medications
- Persistent physical symptoms that don't respond to treatment (such as chronic pain or digestive disorders)
