Tackling mental health crisis during COVID-19 — Here are the top 10 warnings signs of mental illness

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Tackling mental health crisis during COVID-19 — Here are the top 10 warnings signs of mental illness
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  • Lakshmi Vilas Bank gets downgraded by CARE ratings to 'negative outlook'Earlier in May this year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had warned that there would be a ‘massive increase in mental health conditions in the coming months’ triggered by social isolation and anxiety.
  • There is still a stigma attached to mental health illness in India, making it more difficult for people to accept their conditions and seek proper treatment.
  • According to WHO, nearly half of mental health problems start by 14 years of age; however, many go undetected and untreated.
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The coronavirus pandemic has not only infected 10% of the world’s population but has also resulted in added psychological pressure for billions of people. The fear of infection and social isolation have disrupted lives indirectly.

Earlier in May this year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had sounded the alarm bells. WHO warned that there would be a ‘massive increase in mental health conditions in the coming months’ triggered by social isolation and anxiety.

With more people working from home, increased stress and anxiety have added to the mental health crisis, given the social restrictions. Besides, there is still a stigma attached to mental health illness in India, making it more difficult for people to accept their conditions and seek proper treatment.

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The scope of mental health ranges over a wide range of problems — from schizophrenia to depression to intellectual disabilities. According to WHO, many of these disorders can be successfully treated if they get the right help.

According to the American Psychiatric Association , these are the ten warnings signs of mental health illness that one should watch out for

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  1. Excessive worrying or fear.
  2. Feeling excessively sad or low.
  3. Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning.
  4. Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria.
  5. Prolonged or intense feelings of irritability or anger.
  6. Inability to carry out daily activities or handle everyday problems and stress.
  7. Changes in eating habits, such as increased hunger or lack of appetite.
  8. Avoiding friends and social activities.
  9. Difficulties understanding or relating to other people.
  10. Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and short on energy.
According to WHO, half of the mental health problems started by 14 years of age; however, these cases often go undetected and untreated.

The worldwide coronavirus pandemic is only making the disparity worse — especially when it comes to children. For them, staying at home can even lead to trauma, according to psychological first-aid provider Karen Gross.

When suffering from mental illness, children may struggle to concentrate and can change their normal behaviour.

“Some signs to look in young children can be as subtle as them being more quiet or withdrawn than usual, or in-your-face-signs such as a marked increase in tantrums or defiance,” mental health counsellor Jennifer Daffon told Insider.

Mental health experts suggest a healthy diet, avoiding excess alcohol, complete sleep, and constant virtual interaction to help counter mental health issues.

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Lakshmi Vilas Bank gets downgraded by CARE ratings to 'negative outlook'

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