Mental
illness is an often-misunderstood and stigmatised illness that affects millions
of people every year. But what are the most common behaviours associated with
mental illness? And how can we stop mental health stigma and address these
behaviours appropriately? In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most
common behaviours associated with mental illness, as well as how to address
them in a helpful way when you or your loved ones experience them.
Hoarding
Hoarding
is a common behaviour associated with mental illness. It can be defined as the
persistent collecting of and inability to discard items, even if they are of no
value. People who hoard often do so because they believe the items will be
useful or valuable in the future. This behaviour can lead to severe clutter in
the home and can pose a health and safety risk. If you or someone you know is
struggling with hoarding, there are many resources, including depression
treatment available to help.
Perfectionism
Perfectionism
is often thought of as a positive trait. After all, it can drive us to achieve
great things. But when perfectionism is taken to the extreme, it can become a
harmful behaviour. People who are perfectionists tend to be highly critical of
themselves and others. They may have difficulty completing tasks because
they're never good enough. Perfectionism can lead to anxiety, depression, and
even suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with perfectionism,
please seek help from a mental health professional and consider clinical
depression treatments.
Being Forgetful
We
all have moments where we blank out or can't remember where we put our keys.
But for people with mental illness, forgetfulness can be a more serious issue.
This behaviour is often caused by poor sleep, anxiety, or depression. If you
find yourself forgetting things more often than usual, it could be a sign of a
bigger problem.
Withdrawal from Social
Interactions
One
behaviour that is commonly associated with mental illness is withdrawal from
social interactions. This can manifest itself in a number of ways, such as
cancelling plans, avoiding eye contact, and not wanting to leave the house. For
some people, this is a way of coping with their symptoms, while for others it
may be a sign that they are struggling to cope with day-to-day life. If you are
concerned about someone you know, reach out to them and see how they are doing.
Excessive Anger/Irritability
Do
you find yourself getting angry over things that normally wouldn't bother you?
Do you lash out at the people closest to you for no reason? These could be
signs of excessive anger or irritability, which is often seen in those
struggling with mental illness.
Trouble Relaxing or
Sleeping
Do
you have trouble relaxing or sleeping? You might be surprised to learn that
this is a common behaviour associated with mental illness. People who suffer
from conditions like anxiety and depression often have difficulty winding down
at night and may find themselves tossing and turning for hours.
If you're struggling with these, it's important to talk to your doctor about possible underlying causes and consider magnetic therapy for depression.
