The symptoms of mental illness can be a change in the way a person thinks and behaves and these changes can occur suddenly or more subtly over time. When it happens gradually, it can be hard to understand and identify what is happening.
| Psychotic symptoms are usually of a more sudden onset and these can include: | |
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Thoughts and feelings that are bizarre or difficult to understand, such as beliefs of persecution or guilt |
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Experiencing sensations (sight, sound, smell and touch) that others do not experience. Voices in the head is a classic one. |
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Unusual behaviours or interests. |
| Mood symptoms are often of more gradual onset and can be difficult to identify early in the illness. These can include: | |
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Overwhelming feelings of sadness, depression, anxiety and fear. |
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Insomnia. |
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Appetite changes. |
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Increased use of drugs and alcohol. |
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Loss of interest in things that were once enjoyed. |
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Periods of increased activity, where things may be started and not finished. |
Up to one in ten people with a mental illness commit suicide compared to an average of one in hundred for the general population, so effective and ongoing treatment is essential to minimise this risk.
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Most people with a mental illness recover well and can lead fulfilling lives. |
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The majority of people with Anxiety Disorders will improve over time. |
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About 80% of those with Bipolar Disorder will improve. |
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About 60% of those with schizophrenia will improve and can live independently with support. |
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About 20% will have one or two psychotic events and never experience another one. About 20% will have ongoing persistent symptoms and require a lot of support. |
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About 20% will have one or two psychotic events and never experience another one. |
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About 20% will have ongoing persistent symptoms and require a lot of support. |
Chairman District Vocational Service Committee
(H) (03) 9499 3725
(M) 0439 826 252
Rotary Club of Ivanhoe
Email: vocational@rotary9790.org.au
