🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 106 (from laksa185)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa106.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://carolinadunesbh.com/10-warning-signs-for-mental-illness/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://carolinadunesbh.com/10-warning-signs-for-mental-illness/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/10-warning-signs-for-mental-illness\/","crawl_time":1771738791,"first_indexed_time":1707924027,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,carolinadunesbh!\/10-warning-signs-for-mental-illness\/ s443","src_root_hash":"1793853599619801906","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"10 Warning Signs for Mental Illness","meta_descriptions":["Identifying the warning signs of mental illness is key to getting help. Carolina Dunes can help you or your loved ones take the first steps."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Search\nSearch\nCall 24\/7 for a no-cost Confidential Assessment at\n(888) 652-3122\nCall us now!\nAbout Us\nWhy Choose Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health?\nWhy Choose Carolina Dunes?\nAs an acute inpatient psychiatric hospital, Carolina Dunes’s trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices address a wide variety of mental health conditions allowing for better outcomes.\nLearn More\nMeet The Team\nMeet The Team\nAn organization is only as good as its people. And we’ve got some great people. Come and meet them and see why Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health is truly unique.\nLearn More\nCareers\nCareers\nAre you ready to join a team of truly caring individuals in Leland, North Carolina? Explore opportunities and contact us to make a real difference in the lives of others.\nLearn More\nEvents\nEvents\nGet the latest information on happenings at Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health. We are pleased to offer various networking and\/or educational events throughout the year.\nLearn More\nHow We Help\nServices Overview\nServices Overview\nCarolina Dunes is here for anyone dealing with psychiatric symptoms or a mental health crisis in Leland, North Carolina, and the surrounding communities.\nLearn More\nInpatient Care\nInpatient Care\nOur inpatient program offers effective treatment for adolescents, adults, and seniors experiencing acute behavioral health issues, often in the form of a crisis requiring short-term hospitalization.\nLearn More\nWho We Help\nAdolescents\nAdolescents\nCaring for patients aged 12 to 17,  we offer a structured, safe, and therapeutic environment with a multidisciplinary clinical team, led by a skilled psychiatrist, focusing on each patient’s needs.\nLearn More\nFamilies\nFamilies\nAt Carolina Dunes, we strive to provide an open, friendly, and helpful atmosphere for patients while offering support to families as they deal with the unique challenges facing them.\nLearn More\nAdults\nAdults\nCarolina Dunes’ acute inpatient psychiatric services are designed to provide intensive, short-term care for individuals who are experiencing severe symptoms of mental illness or emotional distress.\nLearn More\nConditions We Treat\nAnxiety Disorder Treatment\nAnxiety Disorder\nThrough our Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Program, adolescents (12+), adults, and senior patients can receive effective short-term treatment for the five major types of anxiety disorders.\nLearn More\nBipolar Disorder\nBipolar Disorder\nWe care for those struggling with Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression. This is a major affective or mood disorder characterized by manic or hypomanic episodes.\nLearn More\nSchizophrenia Treatment\nSchizophrenia\nIndividuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder may have difficulty distinguishing reality from fantasy. Carolina Dunes offers inpatient care for those experiencing acute symptoms and requiring a higher level of care.\nLearn More\nTreatment for Suicidal Thoughts\nSuicidal Thoughts\nAt Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health, our mental health professionals offer compassionate, intensive care for adolescents and adults with suicidal ideation or thoughts of suicide.\nLearn More\nResources\nAssessment & Admissions\nAssessment & Admissions\nAnyone can contact us for information on scheduling an assessment. Assessments are completely confidential, and we are available 24\/7 to assist with questions. Call today.\nLearn More\nFAQ\nFAQ\nHere you will find answers to some frequently asked questions from patients and family members and get to know more about our services.\nLearn More\nPrice Transparency\nConsumer Pricing Information\nProviding an outstanding patient experience is our goal. Follow the link for information on pricing that might help you become better-informed.\nPrice Transparency\nHealth Library\nHealth Library\nExplore articles and helpful information covering a wide range of behavioral and psychiatric health topics.\nLearn More\nPatient Financing\nPatient Financing\nWe understand medical bills can be overwhelming, so ask us about payment plans or possible financial assistance. We want to help you find the option that best fits your current situation.\nLearn More\nProfessional & Provider Referrals\nProvider And Professional Referrals\nAt Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health, we want to collaborate with behavioral health providers, medical providers, first responders, caseworkers and more to provide high-quality compassionate care in our community.\nLearn More\nEvents\nEvents\nGet the latest information on happenings at Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health. We are pleased to offer various networking and\/or educational events throughout the year.\nLearn More\nContact Us\nBill Pay\nCareers\nHEALTH LIBRARY\nby\nJackie Hammers-Crowell\nFebruary 13, 2024\nArticles\nYou have started noticing a change in someone you love. You can’t quite put your finger on it, but\nsomething feels different and you are worried\n. Could they be struggling with their\nmental health\n? At\nCarolina Dunes Behavioral Health in Leland, North Carolina\n, we treat a wide range of mental health concerns, and we want you to be able to identify the early indicators of mental illness so that you, your friends, and your family can get help and start to recover as soon as possible.\nA Common Problem with Mental Health\nOne in five adults\nstruggles with mental health and up to half of all people with mental illness start to display symptoms by the age of 14.\nDespite the common occurrence of mental illness, many people do not receive help for years after they begin to struggle\n. The failure to recognize and respond to red flags for mental illness may be partially due to: \nStigma\nLack of information about mental health \nBiases on the part of the person’s family, friends, and medical team\nIndividual symptoms not perfectly fitting textbook examples of a particular diagnosis\nDelayed detection and treatment can postpone recovery and make it more difficult to manage mental health long-term.\nWarning Signs for Mental Illness\nEveryone goes through tough times, and one bad day does not automatically mean that someone is experiencing a mental health condition. However, if you spot several of\nthese indicators happening over weeks or months\n, it is probably time to talk to your loved one about what you see and make a plan to ensure they have adequate support:\nChanges in sleep patterns and energy levels\n– your friend or family member is sleeping far more or far less than before. You might see that no matter how much they sleep, they are always tired. They may not have the energy to fulfill their obligations, let alone engage in any recreational activities. For people experiencing a manic episode, no matter how little they sleep, they seem energized. Changes in sex drive can also signal a problem.\nFrequent pain\n– it seems like this person always has a headache, a stomach ache, nausea, or a backache. Perhaps this is the result of a diagnosed medical condition. We already know that physical illness can impact mental health. Up to half of all people diagnosed with medical conditions causing chronic pain also experience depression. There also may not be a known medical cause for the pain. Depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses can have physical symptoms.\n \nPerfectionism\n– this symptom is often overlooked because it is viewed as an asset. While perfectionistic behavior can lead to high work performance and academic achievement, it can also be an indicator of eating disorders and anxiety, among other things. As with anything else, a person needs to be balanced in how hard they push themselves.\nNumbed or really big emotions\n– people who feel little to no emotion, even about things that used to bring them great joy, may be depressed, while massive mood swings that seem unrelated to what is going on around the person could signal bipolar disorder. Irritability, sadness, and worry that seem out of proportion to an issue can also signal certain mental health concerns.   \nAvoidant behavior\n– more than simple procrastination, a person with this behavior is potentially fearful of a certain person, place, or activity. How this manifests can vary considerably. People with schizophrenia, for example, may develop a delusion that a certain person is trying to harm them or that the food from a specific grocery store is unsafe. A person with PTSD may experience flashbacks when they return to a location where they were sexually assaulted and no longer be willing to drive near that location.\nChanges in Appearance\n– lack of attention to grooming or personal hygiene, sudden increases or decreases in weight, or generally looking unwell can signal mental health struggles.\nSubstance misuse\n– heavy drinking, misusing prescription medications, or using illicit substances can all be signs of someone who is trying to (consciously or not) self-medicate their mental health struggles.\nIdeas that don’t align with reality\n– when a person seems to believe things that don’t make sense or are clearly not true, it is sometimes referred to as a delusion. This could be anything from believing that the government is watching them to thinking that they are a famous and powerful public figure.\nS\nuicidal thoughts\n– there are some different ways people typically signal if they are\nconsidering ending their life\n, which might include:\nWishing they were dead, saying others would be better off if they were not around, or saying that they should kill themselves\nBeing preoccupied with death or violence\nIndicating that they feel trapped or hopeless\nGiving away favorite items and otherwise wrapping up loose ends\nSaying goodbye to loved ones in a way that feels very final\nGathering up whatever they would use to kill themselves\nExperiencing things that others do not\n– hallucinations can present in a variety of different ways: \nvoices no one else can hear, which may be menacing or harmless in nature\nphysical sensations like bugs crawling on their skin\nthings that aren’t there, which may or may not be distressing \nChild-Specific \nWarning Signs for Mental Illness and Red Flags\nWhile children and adolescents may exhibit some of the same concerns listed above, their development level and developing language skills may also cause them to display the following behaviors:\nChanges in school performance\nAggressive or defiant behavior\nNightmares\nTantrums\nIntense sensitivity to sounds, smells and physical sensations\nBehavior that seems out of character or unusual for a child\nIf you aren’t sure if what you are seeing signals a mental health disorder, it is better to err on the side of caution by getting support for your loved one. At Carolina Dunes, we offer\nno-cost, confidential mental health assessments.\nIf you think you or a loved one might benefit from mental health treatment, we can help you take the first steps.\nGet Help Now\n(888) 652-3122\nContact Us\nCategories\nCategories\nAdolescent Treatment\nAnxiety\nArticles\nBipolar Disorder\nDepression\nFamilies\nMental Health Care\nMental Health Education\nMental Health Treatment\nPsychiatric Treatment\nRecent News\nSchizophrenia\nSeniors\nRecent Posts\n7 Bipolar Disorder Facts\nTeen Dating Violence Prevention Month\nHow Exercise Promotes Mental Health\nThe Impact of Alcohol on Your Mental Health\nResolving to Address Your Mental Health in 2026\nLearn more\nAbout programs offered at Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health\nContact Us","attrs_markdown":"Manage Cookie Consent\n\nTo provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and\/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.\n\nFunctional\n\nFunctional\n\nAlways active\n\nThe technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.\n\nPreferences\n\nPreferences\n\nThe technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.\n\nStatistics\n\nStatistics\n\nThe technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.\n\nMarketing\n\nMarketing\n\nThe technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.\n\n- [Manage options](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/cookie-policy\/#cmplz-manage-consent-container)\n- [Manage services](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/cookie-policy\/#cmplz-cookies-overview)\n- [Manage {vendor\\_count} vendors](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/cookie-policy\/#cmplz-tcf-wrapper)\n- [Read more about these purposes](https:\/\/cookiedatabase.org\/tcf\/purposes\/)\n\nAccept\n\nDeny\n\nView preferences\n\nSave preferences\n\n[View preferences](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/cookie-policy\/#cmplz-manage-consent-container)\n\n- [Cookie Policy](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/cookie-policy\/)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/privacy-policy\/)\n- [{title}](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/10-warning-signs-for-mental-illness\/)\n\n[Have you re-enrolled for Medicaid? Learn more about changes that could affect your coverage.](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/keepcoverage\/)\n\n[Skip to content](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/10-warning-signs-for-mental-illness\/#content)\n\nCall 24\/7 for a no-cost Confidential Assessment at [(888) 652-3122](tel:+18886523122)\n\n[Call us now\\!](tel:+8886523122)\n\n[![Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health logo](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/carolina-logo.svg)](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/)\n\nMenu\n\n- [About Us]()\n  - - [Why Choose Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health?](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/why-choose-carolina-dunes\/)\n      - Why Choose Carolina Dunes?\n        \n        As an acute inpatient psychiatric hospital, Carolina Dunes’s trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices address a wide variety of mental health conditions allowing for better outcomes.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/why-choose-miramont\/)\n        \n        ![Why Choose Carolina Dunes](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/menu-about-img2.jpg)\n    - [Meet The Team](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/meet-the-team\/)\n      - Meet The Team\n        \n        An organization is only as good as its people. And we’ve got some great people. Come and meet them and see why Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health is truly unique.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/meet-the-team\/)\n        \n        ![Meet The Team](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/team-dropdown.jpg)\n    - [Careers](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/careers\/)\n      - Careers\n        \n        Are you ready to join a team of truly caring individuals in Leland, North Carolina? Explore opportunities and contact us to make a real difference in the lives of others.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/careers\/)\n        \n        ![Careers](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/menu-about-img5.jpg)\n    - [Events](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/events\/)\n      - Events\n        \n        Get the latest information on happenings at Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health. We are pleased to offer various networking and\/or educational events throughout the year.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/events\/)\n        \n        ![Events](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/menu-about-img.webp)\n- [How We Help]()\n  - - [Services Overview](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/how-we-help\/services-overview\/)\n      - Services Overview\n        \n        Carolina Dunes is here for anyone dealing with psychiatric symptoms or a mental health crisis in Leland, North Carolina, and the surrounding communities.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/how-we-help\/services-overview\/)\n        \n        ![Services Overview](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/man-couch-dropdown.jpg)\n    - [Inpatient Care](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/how-we-help\/wilmington-nc-inpatient-care\/)\n      - Inpatient Care\n        \n        Our inpatient program offers effective treatment for adolescents, adults, and seniors experiencing acute behavioral health issues, often in the form of a crisis requiring short-term hospitalization.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/how-we-help\/inpatient-care\/)\n        \n        ![Inpatient Care](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/woman-talk-dropdown.jpg)\n- [Who We Help]()\n  - - [Adolescents](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/who-we-help\/adolescents\/)\n      - Adolescents\n        \n        Caring for patients aged 12 to 17, we offer a structured, safe, and therapeutic environment with a multidisciplinary clinical team, led by a skilled psychiatrist, focusing on each patient’s needs.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/who-we-help\/adolescents\/)\n        \n        ![Adolescents](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/carolina-young-dd.jpg)\n    - [Families](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/who-we-help\/families\/)\n      - Families\n        \n        At Carolina Dunes, we strive to provide an open, friendly, and helpful atmosphere for patients while offering support to families as they deal with the unique challenges facing them.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/who-we-help\/families\/)\n        \n        ![Families](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/family-dropdown.jpg)\n    - [Adults](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/who-we-help\/adults\/)\n      - Adults\n        \n        Carolina Dunes’ acute inpatient psychiatric services are designed to provide intensive, short-term care for individuals who are experiencing severe symptoms of mental illness or emotional distress.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/who-we-help\/adults\/)\n        \n        ![Adults](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/iStock-1452736789-1.jpg)\n- [Conditions We Treat]()\n  - - [Anxiety Disorder Treatment](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/conditions-we-treat\/wilmington-nc-anxiety-disorder-treatment\/)\n      - Anxiety Disorder\n        \n        Through our Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Program, adolescents (12+), adults, and senior patients can receive effective short-term treatment for the five major types of anxiety disorders.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/conditions-we-treat\/anxiety-disorder\/)\n        \n        ![Anxiety Disorder](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/anxiety-dropdown.jpg)\n    - [Bipolar Disorder](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/conditions-we-treat\/wilmington-nc-bipolar-disorder\/)\n      - Bipolar Disorder\n        \n        We care for those struggling with Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression. This is a major affective or mood disorder characterized by manic or hypomanic episodes.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/conditions-we-treat\/bipolar-disorder\/)\n        \n        ![Bipolar Disorder](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bipolar-dropdown.jpg)\n    - [Schizophrenia Treatment](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/conditions-we-treat\/wilmington-nc-schizophrenia-treatment\/)\n      - Schizophrenia\n        \n        Individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder may have difficulty distinguishing reality from fantasy. Carolina Dunes offers inpatient care for those experiencing acute symptoms and requiring a higher level of care.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/conditions-we-treat\/schizophrenia\/)\n        \n        ![Schizophrenia](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/lady-dropdown.jpg)\n    - [Treatment for Suicidal Thoughts](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/conditions-we-treat\/wilmington-nc-treatment-for-suicidal-thoughts\/)\n      - Suicidal Thoughts\n        \n        At Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health, our mental health professionals offer compassionate, intensive care for adolescents and adults with suicidal ideation or thoughts of suicide.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/conditions-we-treat\/suicidal-thoughts\/)\n        \n        ![Suicidal Thoughts](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/suicidal-dropdown.jpg)\n- [Resources]()\n  - - [Assessment & Admissions](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/resources\/assessment-and-admissions\/)\n      - Assessment & Admissions\n        \n        Anyone can contact us for information on scheduling an assessment. Assessments are completely confidential, and we are available 24\/7 to assist with questions. Call today.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/resources\/assessment-and-admissions\/)\n        \n        ![Assessment & Admissions](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/admissions-dropdown.jpg)\n    - [FAQ](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/faq\/)\n      - FAQ\n        \n        Here you will find answers to some frequently asked questions from patients and family members and get to know more about our services.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/faq\/)\n        \n        ![FAQ](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/faq.webp)\n    - [Price Transparency](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/resources\/price-transparency\/)\n      - Consumer Pricing Information\n        \n        Providing an outstanding patient experience is our goal. Follow the link for information on pricing that might help you become better-informed.\n        \n        [Price Transparency](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/resources\/price-transparency\/)\n        \n        ![Pay Online](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ConsumerPricing.jpg)\n    - [Health Library](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/resources\/health-library\/)\n      - Health Library\n        \n        Explore articles and helpful information covering a wide range of behavioral and psychiatric health topics.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/resources\/health-library\/)\n        \n        ![Health Library](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/man2-dropdown.jpg)\n    - [Patient Financing](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/resources\/patient-financing\/)\n      - Patient Financing\n        \n        We understand medical bills can be overwhelming, so ask us about payment plans or possible financial assistance. We want to help you find the option that best fits your current situation.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/resources\/patient-financing\/)\n        \n        ![Patient Financing](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/financing-dropdown.jpg)\n    - [Professional & Provider Referrals](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/resources\/professional-and-provider-referrals\/)\n      - Provider And Professional Referrals\n        \n        At Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health, we want to collaborate with behavioral health providers, medical providers, first responders, caseworkers and more to provide high-quality compassionate care in our community.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/resources\/professional-and-provider-referrals\/)\n        \n        ![Provider And Professional Referrals](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/provider-dropdown.jpg)\n    - [Events](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/events\/)\n      - Events\n        \n        Get the latest information on happenings at Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health. We are pleased to offer various networking and\/or educational events throughout the year.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/events\/)\n        \n        ![Events](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/menu-about-img.webp)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/contact\/)\n- [Bill Pay](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/billpay\/)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/careers\/)\n\n[![Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health logo](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/carolina-logo.svg)](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/)\n\n###### HEALTH LIBRARY\n# 10 Warning Signs for Mental Illness\n- by Jackie Hammers-Crowell\n- February 13, 2024\n\n[Articles](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/articles\/)\n\n![Warning Signs for Mental Illness](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/AdobeStock_451033999-1-scaled-e1735666504854.jpeg)\n\nYou have started noticing a change in someone you love. You can’t quite put your finger on it, but [something feels different and you are worried](https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/patients-families\/warning-signs-of-mental-illness). Could they be struggling with their [mental health](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/spending-time-in-nature-supports-mental-health\/)? At [Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health in Leland, North Carolina](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/how-we-help\/services-overview\/), we treat a wide range of mental health concerns, and we want you to be able to identify the early indicators of mental illness so that you, your friends, and your family can get help and start to recover as soon as possible.\n\n### **A Common Problem with Mental Health**\n[One in five adults](https:\/\/www.nami.org\/Blogs\/NAMI-Blog\/May-2021\/Five-Warning-Signs-of-Mental-Illness-that-People-Miss) struggles with mental health and up to half of all people with mental illness start to display symptoms by the age of 14. Despite the common occurrence of mental illness, many people do not receive help for years after they begin to struggle. The failure to recognize and respond to red flags for mental illness may be partially due to:\n\n- Stigma\n- Lack of information about mental health\n- Biases on the part of the person’s family, friends, and medical team\n- Individual symptoms not perfectly fitting textbook examples of a particular diagnosis\n\nDelayed detection and treatment can postpone recovery and make it more difficult to manage mental health long-term.\n\n## **Warning Signs for Mental Illness**\nEveryone goes through tough times, and one bad day does not automatically mean that someone is experiencing a mental health condition. However, if you spot several of [these indicators happening over weeks or months](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/mental-health\/signs-mental-illness), it is probably time to talk to your loved one about what you see and make a plan to ensure they have adequate support:\n\n- **Changes in sleep patterns and energy levels** – your friend or family member is sleeping far more or far less than before. You might see that no matter how much they sleep, they are always tired. They may not have the energy to fulfill their obligations, let alone engage in any recreational activities. For people experiencing a manic episode, no matter how little they sleep, they seem energized. Changes in sex drive can also signal a problem.\n- **Frequent pain** – it seems like this person always has a headache, a stomach ache, nausea, or a backache. Perhaps this is the result of a diagnosed medical condition. We already know that physical illness can impact mental health. Up to half of all people diagnosed with medical conditions causing chronic pain also experience depression. There also may not be a known medical cause for the pain. Depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses can have physical symptoms.\n- **Perfectionism** – this symptom is often overlooked because it is viewed as an asset. While perfectionistic behavior can lead to high work performance and academic achievement, it can also be an indicator of eating disorders and anxiety, among other things. As with anything else, a person needs to be balanced in how hard they push themselves.\n- **Numbed or really big emotions** – people who feel little to no emotion, even about things that used to bring them great joy, may be depressed, while massive mood swings that seem unrelated to what is going on around the person could signal bipolar disorder. Irritability, sadness, and worry that seem out of proportion to an issue can also signal certain mental health concerns.\n- **Avoidant behavior** – more than simple procrastination, a person with this behavior is potentially fearful of a certain person, place, or activity. How this manifests can vary considerably. People with schizophrenia, for example, may develop a delusion that a certain person is trying to harm them or that the food from a specific grocery store is unsafe. A person with PTSD may experience flashbacks when they return to a location where they were sexually assaulted and no longer be willing to drive near that location.\n- **Changes in Appearance** – lack of attention to grooming or personal hygiene, sudden increases or decreases in weight, or generally looking unwell can signal mental health struggles.\n- **Substance misuse** – heavy drinking, misusing prescription medications, or using illicit substances can all be signs of someone who is trying to (consciously or not) self-medicate their mental health struggles.\n- **Ideas that don’t align with reality** – when a person seems to believe things that don’t make sense or are clearly not true, it is sometimes referred to as a delusion. This could be anything from believing that the government is watching them to thinking that they are a famous and powerful public figure.\n- **S****uicidal thoughts** – there are some different ways people typically signal if they are [considering ending their life](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/how-to-support-people-who-have-suicidal-thoughts\/), which might include:\n- Wishing they were dead, saying others would be better off if they were not around, or saying that they should kill themselves\n- Being preoccupied with death or violence\n- Indicating that they feel trapped or hopeless\n- Giving away favorite items and otherwise wrapping up loose ends\n- Saying goodbye to loved ones in a way that feels very final\n- Gathering up whatever they would use to kill themselves\n- **Experiencing things that others do not** – hallucinations can present in a variety of different ways:\n  - voices no one else can hear, which may be menacing or harmless in nature\n  - physical sensations like bugs crawling on their skin\n  - things that aren’t there, which may or may not be distressing\n### **Child-Specific** **Warning Signs for Mental Illness and Red Flags**\nWhile children and adolescents may exhibit some of the same concerns listed above, their development level and developing language skills may also cause them to display the following behaviors:\n\n- Changes in school performance\n- Aggressive or defiant behavior\n- Nightmares\n- Tantrums\n- Intense sensitivity to sounds, smells and physical sensations\n- Behavior that seems out of character or unusual for a child\n\nIf you aren’t sure if what you are seeing signals a mental health disorder, it is better to err on the side of caution by getting support for your loved one. At Carolina Dunes, we offer [no-cost, confidential mental health assessments.](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/why-choose-carolina-dunes\/) If you think you or a loved one might benefit from mental health treatment, we can help you take the first steps.\n\nGet Help Now\n\n[(888) 652-3122](tel:+18886523122)\n\n[Contact Us](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/contact-us\/)\n\n#### Categories\n##### Categories\n- [Adolescent Treatment](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/adolescent-treatment\/)\n- [Anxiety](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/anxiety\/)\n- [Articles](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/articles\/)\n- [Bipolar Disorder](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/bipolar-disorder\/)\n- [Depression](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/depression\/)\n- [Families](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/families\/)\n- [Mental Health Care](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/mental-health-care\/)\n- [Mental Health Education](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/mental-health-education\/)\n- [Mental Health Treatment](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/mental-health-treatment\/)\n- [Psychiatric Treatment](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/psychiatric-treatment\/)\n- [Recent News](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/recent-news\/)\n- [Schizophrenia](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/schizophrenia\/)\n- [Seniors](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/seniors\/)\n\n#### Recent Posts\n[![Carolina Dunes - 7 Bipolar Disorder Facts](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Bel-Aire-Mixing-Alcohol-With-Other-Drugs-Increases-the-Danger-Edited-150x150.jpg)](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/7-bipolar-disorder-facts\/)\n\n#### [7 Bipolar Disorder Facts](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/7-bipolar-disorder-facts\/)\n\n[![Carolina Dunes - Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month - Edited. 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A woman at a table, enjoying a coffee cup, with a calm demeanor and a cozy atmosphere around her.](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Carolina-Dunes-Impact-of-Alcohol-on-Mental-Health-Edited-150x150.jpg)](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/the-impact-of-alcohol-on-your-mental-health\/)\n\n#### [The Impact of Alcohol on Your Mental Health](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/the-impact-of-alcohol-on-your-mental-health\/)\n\n[![Person sitting by a window, journaling and looking out at a city skyline, reflecting quietly in a calm indoor setting.](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/New-Year-Resolutions-11000-x-667-px-150x150.jpg)](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/resolving-to-address-your-mental-health-in-2026\/)\n\n#### [Resolving to Address Your Mental Health in 2026](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/resolving-to-address-your-mental-health-in-2026\/)\n\n#### Learn more\nAbout programs offered at Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health\n\n[Contact Us](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/contact-us\/)\n\n**NO-COST, CONFIDENTIAL ASSESSMENTS**  \nwith Mental Health Professionals are available 24\/7.\n\n[Call 888-652-3122 Now\\!](tel:8886523122)\n\n- [Services](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/how-we-help\/services-overview\/)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/careers\/)\n\n[![Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health logo](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/carolina-logo-white.svg)](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/)\n\n- [Contact](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/contact\/)\n- [Admissions](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/resources\/assessment-and-admissions)\n\n- [Services](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/how-we-help\/services-overview\/)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/careers\/)\n- [Admissions](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/resources\/assessment-and-admissions\/)\n- [Contact](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/contact\/)\n\n2050 Mercantile Drive  \n Leland, NC 28451  \n Facility Phone: [888-652-3122](tel:8886523122)\n\n### Accreditations & Memberships:\n![joint-commission](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/elementor\/thumbs\/joint-commission-qq5dnknkbsa4jpsf8ajijum5wr0z9yvtqhgu15edig.webp)\n\nCopyright © 2026 Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health \\| [Sitemap](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/sitemap) \\| [Privacy Practices](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/privacy-policy) \\| [Terms of Service](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/terms-of-service\/) \\| [Price Transparency](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/resources\/price-transparency\/)\n\nFollow Us:\n\nManage consent\n\nScroll to Top","attrs_readable_markdown":"Call 24\/7 for a no-cost Confidential Assessment at [(888) 652-3122](tel:+18886523122)\n\n[Call us now\\!](tel:+8886523122)\n\n[![Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health logo](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/carolina-logo.svg)](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/)\n\n- [About Us]()\n  - - [Why Choose Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health?](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/why-choose-carolina-dunes\/)\n      - Why Choose Carolina Dunes?\n        \n        As an acute inpatient psychiatric hospital, Carolina Dunes’s trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices address a wide variety of mental health conditions allowing for better outcomes.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/why-choose-miramont\/)\n        \n        ![Why Choose Carolina Dunes](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/menu-about-img2.jpg)\n    - [Meet The Team](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/meet-the-team\/)\n      - Meet The Team\n        \n        An organization is only as good as its people. And we’ve got some great people. Come and meet them and see why Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health is truly unique.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/meet-the-team\/)\n        \n        ![Meet The Team](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/team-dropdown.jpg)\n    - [Careers](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/careers\/)\n      - Careers\n        \n        Are you ready to join a team of truly caring individuals in Leland, North Carolina? Explore opportunities and contact us to make a real difference in the lives of others.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/careers\/)\n        \n        ![Careers](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/menu-about-img5.jpg)\n    - [Events](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/events\/)\n      - Events\n        \n        Get the latest information on happenings at Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health. We are pleased to offer various networking and\/or educational events throughout the year.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/events\/)\n        \n        ![Events](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/menu-about-img.webp)\n- [How We Help]()\n  - - [Services Overview](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/how-we-help\/services-overview\/)\n      - Services Overview\n        \n        Carolina Dunes is here for anyone dealing with psychiatric symptoms or a mental health crisis in Leland, North Carolina, and the surrounding communities.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/how-we-help\/services-overview\/)\n        \n        ![Services Overview](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/man-couch-dropdown.jpg)\n    - [Inpatient Care](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/how-we-help\/wilmington-nc-inpatient-care\/)\n      - Inpatient Care\n        \n        Our inpatient program offers effective treatment for adolescents, adults, and seniors experiencing acute behavioral health issues, often in the form of a crisis requiring short-term hospitalization.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/how-we-help\/inpatient-care\/)\n        \n        ![Inpatient Care](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/woman-talk-dropdown.jpg)\n- [Who We Help]()\n  - - [Adolescents](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/who-we-help\/adolescents\/)\n      - Adolescents\n        \n        Caring for patients aged 12 to 17, we offer a structured, safe, and therapeutic environment with a multidisciplinary clinical team, led by a skilled psychiatrist, focusing on each patient’s needs.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/who-we-help\/adolescents\/)\n        \n        ![Adolescents](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/carolina-young-dd.jpg)\n    - [Families](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/who-we-help\/families\/)\n      - Families\n        \n        At Carolina Dunes, we strive to provide an open, friendly, and helpful atmosphere for patients while offering support to families as they deal with the unique challenges facing them.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/who-we-help\/families\/)\n        \n        ![Families](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/family-dropdown.jpg)\n    - [Adults](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/who-we-help\/adults\/)\n      - Adults\n        \n        Carolina Dunes’ acute inpatient psychiatric services are designed to provide intensive, short-term care for individuals who are experiencing severe symptoms of mental illness or emotional distress.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/who-we-help\/adults\/)\n        \n        ![Adults](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/iStock-1452736789-1.jpg)\n- [Conditions We Treat]()\n  - - [Anxiety Disorder Treatment](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/conditions-we-treat\/wilmington-nc-anxiety-disorder-treatment\/)\n      - Anxiety Disorder\n        \n        Through our Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Program, adolescents (12+), adults, and senior patients can receive effective short-term treatment for the five major types of anxiety disorders.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/conditions-we-treat\/anxiety-disorder\/)\n        \n        ![Anxiety Disorder](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/anxiety-dropdown.jpg)\n    - [Bipolar Disorder](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/conditions-we-treat\/wilmington-nc-bipolar-disorder\/)\n      - Bipolar Disorder\n        \n        We care for those struggling with Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression. This is a major affective or mood disorder characterized by manic or hypomanic episodes.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/conditions-we-treat\/bipolar-disorder\/)\n        \n        ![Bipolar Disorder](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/bipolar-dropdown.jpg)\n    - [Schizophrenia Treatment](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/conditions-we-treat\/wilmington-nc-schizophrenia-treatment\/)\n      - Schizophrenia\n        \n        Individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder may have difficulty distinguishing reality from fantasy. Carolina Dunes offers inpatient care for those experiencing acute symptoms and requiring a higher level of care.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/conditions-we-treat\/schizophrenia\/)\n        \n        ![Schizophrenia](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/lady-dropdown.jpg)\n    - [Treatment for Suicidal Thoughts](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/conditions-we-treat\/wilmington-nc-treatment-for-suicidal-thoughts\/)\n      - Suicidal Thoughts\n        \n        At Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health, our mental health professionals offer compassionate, intensive care for adolescents and adults with suicidal ideation or thoughts of suicide.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/conditions-we-treat\/suicidal-thoughts\/)\n        \n        ![Suicidal Thoughts](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/suicidal-dropdown.jpg)\n- [Resources]()\n  - - [Assessment & Admissions](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/resources\/assessment-and-admissions\/)\n      - Assessment & Admissions\n        \n        Anyone can contact us for information on scheduling an assessment. Assessments are completely confidential, and we are available 24\/7 to assist with questions. Call today.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/resources\/assessment-and-admissions\/)\n        \n        ![Assessment & Admissions](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/admissions-dropdown.jpg)\n    - [FAQ](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/faq\/)\n      - FAQ\n        \n        Here you will find answers to some frequently asked questions from patients and family members and get to know more about our services.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/faq\/)\n        \n        ![FAQ](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/faq.webp)\n    - [Price Transparency](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/resources\/price-transparency\/)\n      - Consumer Pricing Information\n        \n        Providing an outstanding patient experience is our goal. Follow the link for information on pricing that might help you become better-informed.\n        \n        [Price Transparency](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/resources\/price-transparency\/)\n        \n        ![Pay Online](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ConsumerPricing.jpg)\n    - [Health Library](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/resources\/health-library\/)\n      - Health Library\n        \n        Explore articles and helpful information covering a wide range of behavioral and psychiatric health topics.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/resources\/health-library\/)\n        \n        ![Health Library](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/man2-dropdown.jpg)\n    - [Patient Financing](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/resources\/patient-financing\/)\n      - Patient Financing\n        \n        We understand medical bills can be overwhelming, so ask us about payment plans or possible financial assistance. We want to help you find the option that best fits your current situation.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/resources\/patient-financing\/)\n        \n        ![Patient Financing](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/financing-dropdown.jpg)\n    - [Professional & Provider Referrals](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/resources\/professional-and-provider-referrals\/)\n      - Provider And Professional Referrals\n        \n        At Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health, we want to collaborate with behavioral health providers, medical providers, first responders, caseworkers and more to provide high-quality compassionate care in our community.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/resources\/professional-and-provider-referrals\/)\n        \n        ![Provider And Professional Referrals](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/provider-dropdown.jpg)\n    - [Events](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/events\/)\n      - Events\n        \n        Get the latest information on happenings at Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health. We are pleased to offer various networking and\/or educational events throughout the year.\n        \n        [Learn More](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/events\/)\n        \n        ![Events](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/menu-about-img.webp)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/contact\/)\n- [Bill Pay](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/billpay\/)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/careers\/)\n\n[![Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health logo](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/carolina-logo.svg)](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/)\n\nHEALTH LIBRARY\n\n- by Jackie Hammers-Crowell\n- February 13, 2024\n\n[Articles](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/articles\/)\n\n![Warning Signs for Mental Illness](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/AdobeStock_451033999-1-scaled-e1735666504854.jpeg)\n\nYou have started noticing a change in someone you love. You can’t quite put your finger on it, but [something feels different and you are worried](https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/patients-families\/warning-signs-of-mental-illness). Could they be struggling with their [mental health](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/spending-time-in-nature-supports-mental-health\/)? At [Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health in Leland, North Carolina](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/how-we-help\/services-overview\/), we treat a wide range of mental health concerns, and we want you to be able to identify the early indicators of mental illness so that you, your friends, and your family can get help and start to recover as soon as possible.\n\n### **A Common Problem with Mental Health**\n[One in five adults](https:\/\/www.nami.org\/Blogs\/NAMI-Blog\/May-2021\/Five-Warning-Signs-of-Mental-Illness-that-People-Miss) struggles with mental health and up to half of all people with mental illness start to display symptoms by the age of 14. Despite the common occurrence of mental illness, many people do not receive help for years after they begin to struggle. The failure to recognize and respond to red flags for mental illness may be partially due to:\n\n- Stigma\n- Lack of information about mental health\n- Biases on the part of the person’s family, friends, and medical team\n- Individual symptoms not perfectly fitting textbook examples of a particular diagnosis\n\nDelayed detection and treatment can postpone recovery and make it more difficult to manage mental health long-term.\n\n## **Warning Signs for Mental Illness**\nEveryone goes through tough times, and one bad day does not automatically mean that someone is experiencing a mental health condition. However, if you spot several of [these indicators happening over weeks or months](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/mental-health\/signs-mental-illness), it is probably time to talk to your loved one about what you see and make a plan to ensure they have adequate support:\n\n- **Changes in sleep patterns and energy levels** – your friend or family member is sleeping far more or far less than before. You might see that no matter how much they sleep, they are always tired. They may not have the energy to fulfill their obligations, let alone engage in any recreational activities. For people experiencing a manic episode, no matter how little they sleep, they seem energized. Changes in sex drive can also signal a problem.\n- **Frequent pain** – it seems like this person always has a headache, a stomach ache, nausea, or a backache. Perhaps this is the result of a diagnosed medical condition. We already know that physical illness can impact mental health. Up to half of all people diagnosed with medical conditions causing chronic pain also experience depression. There also may not be a known medical cause for the pain. Depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses can have physical symptoms.\n- **Perfectionism** – this symptom is often overlooked because it is viewed as an asset. While perfectionistic behavior can lead to high work performance and academic achievement, it can also be an indicator of eating disorders and anxiety, among other things. As with anything else, a person needs to be balanced in how hard they push themselves.\n- **Numbed or really big emotions** – people who feel little to no emotion, even about things that used to bring them great joy, may be depressed, while massive mood swings that seem unrelated to what is going on around the person could signal bipolar disorder. Irritability, sadness, and worry that seem out of proportion to an issue can also signal certain mental health concerns.\n- **Avoidant behavior** – more than simple procrastination, a person with this behavior is potentially fearful of a certain person, place, or activity. How this manifests can vary considerably. People with schizophrenia, for example, may develop a delusion that a certain person is trying to harm them or that the food from a specific grocery store is unsafe. A person with PTSD may experience flashbacks when they return to a location where they were sexually assaulted and no longer be willing to drive near that location.\n- **Changes in Appearance** – lack of attention to grooming or personal hygiene, sudden increases or decreases in weight, or generally looking unwell can signal mental health struggles.\n- **Substance misuse** – heavy drinking, misusing prescription medications, or using illicit substances can all be signs of someone who is trying to (consciously or not) self-medicate their mental health struggles.\n- **Ideas that don’t align with reality** – when a person seems to believe things that don’t make sense or are clearly not true, it is sometimes referred to as a delusion. This could be anything from believing that the government is watching them to thinking that they are a famous and powerful public figure.\n- **S****uicidal thoughts** – there are some different ways people typically signal if they are [considering ending their life](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/how-to-support-people-who-have-suicidal-thoughts\/), which might include:\n- Wishing they were dead, saying others would be better off if they were not around, or saying that they should kill themselves\n- Being preoccupied with death or violence\n- Indicating that they feel trapped or hopeless\n- Giving away favorite items and otherwise wrapping up loose ends\n- Saying goodbye to loved ones in a way that feels very final\n- Gathering up whatever they would use to kill themselves\n- **Experiencing things that others do not** – hallucinations can present in a variety of different ways:\n  - voices no one else can hear, which may be menacing or harmless in nature\n  - physical sensations like bugs crawling on their skin\n  - things that aren’t there, which may or may not be distressing\n### **Child-Specific** **Warning Signs for Mental Illness and Red Flags**\nWhile children and adolescents may exhibit some of the same concerns listed above, their development level and developing language skills may also cause them to display the following behaviors:\n\n- Changes in school performance\n- Aggressive or defiant behavior\n- Nightmares\n- Tantrums\n- Intense sensitivity to sounds, smells and physical sensations\n- Behavior that seems out of character or unusual for a child\n\nIf you aren’t sure if what you are seeing signals a mental health disorder, it is better to err on the side of caution by getting support for your loved one. At Carolina Dunes, we offer [no-cost, confidential mental health assessments.](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/about-us\/why-choose-carolina-dunes\/) If you think you or a loved one might benefit from mental health treatment, we can help you take the first steps.\n\nGet Help Now\n\n[(888) 652-3122](tel:+18886523122)\n\n[Contact Us](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/contact-us\/)\n\nCategories\n\n##### Categories\n- [Adolescent Treatment](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/adolescent-treatment\/)\n- [Anxiety](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/anxiety\/)\n- [Articles](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/articles\/)\n- [Bipolar Disorder](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/bipolar-disorder\/)\n- [Depression](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/depression\/)\n- [Families](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/families\/)\n- [Mental Health Care](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/mental-health-care\/)\n- [Mental Health Education](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/mental-health-education\/)\n- [Mental Health Treatment](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/mental-health-treatment\/)\n- [Psychiatric Treatment](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/psychiatric-treatment\/)\n- [Recent News](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/recent-news\/)\n- [Schizophrenia](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/schizophrenia\/)\n- [Seniors](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/category\/seniors\/)\n\nRecent Posts\n\n[![Carolina Dunes - 7 Bipolar Disorder Facts](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Bel-Aire-Mixing-Alcohol-With-Other-Drugs-Increases-the-Danger-Edited-150x150.jpg)](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/7-bipolar-disorder-facts\/)\n\n[7 Bipolar Disorder Facts](https:\/\/carolinadunesbh.com\/7-bipolar-disorder-facts\/)\n\n[![Carolina Dunes - Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month - Edited. 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Boilerpipe Text	Search Search Call 24/7 for a no-cost Confidential Assessment at (888) 652-3122 Call us now! About Us Why Choose Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health? Why Choose Carolina Dunes? As an acute inpatient psychiatric hospital, Carolina Dunes’s trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices address a wide variety of mental health conditions allowing for better outcomes. Learn More Meet The Team Meet The Team An organization is only as good as its people. And we’ve got some great people. Come and meet them and see why Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health is truly unique. Learn More Careers Careers Are you ready to join a team of truly caring individuals in Leland, North Carolina? Explore opportunities and contact us to make a real difference in the lives of others. Learn More Events Events Get the latest information on happenings at Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health. We are pleased to offer various networking and/or educational events throughout the year. Learn More How We Help Services Overview Services Overview Carolina Dunes is here for anyone dealing with psychiatric symptoms or a mental health crisis in Leland, North Carolina, and the surrounding communities. Learn More Inpatient Care Inpatient Care Our inpatient program offers effective treatment for adolescents, adults, and seniors experiencing acute behavioral health issues, often in the form of a crisis requiring short-term hospitalization. Learn More Who We Help Adolescents Adolescents Caring for patients aged 12 to 17, we offer a structured, safe, and therapeutic environment with a multidisciplinary clinical team, led by a skilled psychiatrist, focusing on each patient’s needs. Learn More Families Families At Carolina Dunes, we strive to provide an open, friendly, and helpful atmosphere for patients while offering support to families as they deal with the unique challenges facing them. Learn More Adults Adults Carolina Dunes’ acute inpatient psychiatric services are designed to provide intensive, short-term care for individuals who are experiencing severe symptoms of mental illness or emotional distress. Learn More Conditions We Treat Anxiety Disorder Treatment Anxiety Disorder Through our Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Program, adolescents (12+), adults, and senior patients can receive effective short-term treatment for the five major types of anxiety disorders. Learn More Bipolar Disorder Bipolar Disorder We care for those struggling with Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression. This is a major affective or mood disorder characterized by manic or hypomanic episodes. Learn More Schizophrenia Treatment Schizophrenia Individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder may have difficulty distinguishing reality from fantasy. Carolina Dunes offers inpatient care for those experiencing acute symptoms and requiring a higher level of care. Learn More Treatment for Suicidal Thoughts Suicidal Thoughts At Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health, our mental health professionals offer compassionate, intensive care for adolescents and adults with suicidal ideation or thoughts of suicide. Learn More Resources Assessment & Admissions Assessment & Admissions Anyone can contact us for information on scheduling an assessment. Assessments are completely confidential, and we are available 24/7 to assist with questions. Call today. Learn More FAQ FAQ Here you will find answers to some frequently asked questions from patients and family members and get to know more about our services. Learn More Price Transparency Consumer Pricing Information Providing an outstanding patient experience is our goal. Follow the link for information on pricing that might help you become better-informed. Price Transparency Health Library Health Library Explore articles and helpful information covering a wide range of behavioral and psychiatric health topics. Learn More Patient Financing Patient Financing We understand medical bills can be overwhelming, so ask us about payment plans or possible financial assistance. We want to help you find the option that best fits your current situation. Learn More Professional & Provider Referrals Provider And Professional Referrals At Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health, we want to collaborate with behavioral health providers, medical providers, first responders, caseworkers and more to provide high-quality compassionate care in our community. Learn More Events Events Get the latest information on happenings at Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health. We are pleased to offer various networking and/or educational events throughout the year. Learn More Contact Us Bill Pay Careers HEALTH LIBRARY by Jackie Hammers-Crowell February 13, 2024 Articles You have started noticing a change in someone you love. You can’t quite put your finger on it, but something feels different and you are worried . Could they be struggling with their mental health ? At Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health in Leland, North Carolina , we treat a wide range of mental health concerns, and we want you to be able to identify the early indicators of mental illness so that you, your friends, and your family can get help and start to recover as soon as possible. A Common Problem with Mental Health One in five adults struggles with mental health and up to half of all people with mental illness start to display symptoms by the age of 14. Despite the common occurrence of mental illness, many people do not receive help for years after they begin to struggle . The failure to recognize and respond to red flags for mental illness may be partially due to: Stigma Lack of information about mental health Biases on the part of the person’s family, friends, and medical team Individual symptoms not perfectly fitting textbook examples of a particular diagnosis Delayed detection and treatment can postpone recovery and make it more difficult to manage mental health long-term. Warning Signs for Mental Illness Everyone goes through tough times, and one bad day does not automatically mean that someone is experiencing a mental health condition. However, if you spot several of these indicators happening over weeks or months , it is probably time to talk to your loved one about what you see and make a plan to ensure they have adequate support: Changes in sleep patterns and energy levels – your friend or family member is sleeping far more or far less than before. You might see that no matter how much they sleep, they are always tired. They may not have the energy to fulfill their obligations, let alone engage in any recreational activities. For people experiencing a manic episode, no matter how little they sleep, they seem energized. Changes in sex drive can also signal a problem. Frequent pain – it seems like this person always has a headache, a stomach ache, nausea, or a backache. Perhaps this is the result of a diagnosed medical condition. We already know that physical illness can impact mental health. Up to half of all people diagnosed with medical conditions causing chronic pain also experience depression. There also may not be a known medical cause for the pain. Depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses can have physical symptoms. Perfectionism – this symptom is often overlooked because it is viewed as an asset. While perfectionistic behavior can lead to high work performance and academic achievement, it can also be an indicator of eating disorders and anxiety, among other things. As with anything else, a person needs to be balanced in how hard they push themselves. Numbed or really big emotions – people who feel little to no emotion, even about things that used to bring them great joy, may be depressed, while massive mood swings that seem unrelated to what is going on around the person could signal bipolar disorder. Irritability, sadness, and worry that seem out of proportion to an issue can also signal certain mental health concerns. Avoidant behavior – more than simple procrastination, a person with this behavior is potentially fearful of a certain person, place, or activity. How this manifests can vary considerably. People with schizophrenia, for example, may develop a delusion that a certain person is trying to harm them or that the food from a specific grocery store is unsafe. A person with PTSD may experience flashbacks when they return to a location where they were sexually assaulted and no longer be willing to drive near that location. Changes in Appearance – lack of attention to grooming or personal hygiene, sudden increases or decreases in weight, or generally looking unwell can signal mental health struggles. Substance misuse – heavy drinking, misusing prescription medications, or using illicit substances can all be signs of someone who is trying to (consciously or not) self-medicate their mental health struggles. Ideas that don’t align with reality – when a person seems to believe things that don’t make sense or are clearly not true, it is sometimes referred to as a delusion. This could be anything from believing that the government is watching them to thinking that they are a famous and powerful public figure. S uicidal thoughts – there are some different ways people typically signal if they are considering ending their life , which might include: Wishing they were dead, saying others would be better off if they were not around, or saying that they should kill themselves Being preoccupied with death or violence Indicating that they feel trapped or hopeless Giving away favorite items and otherwise wrapping up loose ends Saying goodbye to loved ones in a way that feels very final Gathering up whatever they would use to kill themselves Experiencing things that others do not – hallucinations can present in a variety of different ways: voices no one else can hear, which may be menacing or harmless in nature physical sensations like bugs crawling on their skin things that aren’t there, which may or may not be distressing Child-Specific Warning Signs for Mental Illness and Red Flags While children and adolescents may exhibit some of the same concerns listed above, their development level and developing language skills may also cause them to display the following behaviors: Changes in school performance Aggressive or defiant behavior Nightmares Tantrums Intense sensitivity to sounds, smells and physical sensations Behavior that seems out of character or unusual for a child If you aren’t sure if what you are seeing signals a mental health disorder, it is better to err on the side of caution by getting support for your loved one. At Carolina Dunes, we offer no-cost, confidential mental health assessments. If you think you or a loved one might benefit from mental health treatment, we can help you take the first steps. Get Help Now (888) 652-3122 Contact Us Categories Categories Adolescent Treatment Anxiety Articles Bipolar Disorder Depression Families Mental Health Care Mental Health Education Mental Health Treatment Psychiatric Treatment Recent News Schizophrenia Seniors Recent Posts 7 Bipolar Disorder Facts Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month How Exercise Promotes Mental Health The Impact of Alcohol on Your Mental Health Resolving to Address Your Mental Health in 2026 Learn more About programs offered at Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health Contact Us
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[Learn More](https://carolinadunesbh.com/who-we-help/adolescents/) ![Adolescents](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/carolina-young-dd.jpg) - [Families](https://carolinadunesbh.com/who-we-help/families/) - Families At Carolina Dunes, we strive to provide an open, friendly, and helpful atmosphere for patients while offering support to families as they deal with the unique challenges facing them. [Learn More](https://carolinadunesbh.com/who-we-help/families/) ![Families](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/family-dropdown.jpg) - [Adults](https://carolinadunesbh.com/who-we-help/adults/) - Adults Carolina Dunes’ acute inpatient psychiatric services are designed to provide intensive, short-term care for individuals who are experiencing severe symptoms of mental illness or emotional distress. [Learn More](https://carolinadunesbh.com/who-we-help/adults/) ![Adults](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/iStock-1452736789-1.jpg) - [Conditions We Treat]() - - [Anxiety Disorder Treatment](https://carolinadunesbh.com/conditions-we-treat/wilmington-nc-anxiety-disorder-treatment/) - Anxiety Disorder Through our Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Program, adolescents (12+), adults, and senior patients can receive effective short-term treatment for the five major types of anxiety disorders. [Learn More](https://carolinadunesbh.com/conditions-we-treat/anxiety-disorder/) ![Anxiety Disorder](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/anxiety-dropdown.jpg) - [Bipolar Disorder](https://carolinadunesbh.com/conditions-we-treat/wilmington-nc-bipolar-disorder/) - Bipolar Disorder We care for those struggling with Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression. This is a major affective or mood disorder characterized by manic or hypomanic episodes. [Learn More](https://carolinadunesbh.com/conditions-we-treat/bipolar-disorder/) ![Bipolar Disorder](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bipolar-dropdown.jpg) - [Schizophrenia Treatment](https://carolinadunesbh.com/conditions-we-treat/wilmington-nc-schizophrenia-treatment/) - Schizophrenia Individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder may have difficulty distinguishing reality from fantasy. Carolina Dunes offers inpatient care for those experiencing acute symptoms and requiring a higher level of care. 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[Learn More](https://carolinadunesbh.com/about-us/events/) ![Events](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/menu-about-img.webp) - [Contact Us](https://carolinadunesbh.com/contact/) - [Bill Pay](https://carolinadunesbh.com/billpay/) - [Careers](https://carolinadunesbh.com/about-us/careers/) [![Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health logo](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/carolina-logo.svg)](https://carolinadunesbh.com/) ###### HEALTH LIBRARY # 10 Warning Signs for Mental Illness - by Jackie Hammers-Crowell - February 13, 2024 [Articles](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/articles/) ![Warning Signs for Mental Illness](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/AdobeStock_451033999-1-scaled-e1735666504854.jpeg) You have started noticing a change in someone you love. You can’t quite put your finger on it, but [something feels different and you are worried](https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/warning-signs-of-mental-illness). Could they be struggling with their [mental health](https://carolinadunesbh.com/spending-time-in-nature-supports-mental-health/)? At [Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health in Leland, North Carolina](https://carolinadunesbh.com/how-we-help/services-overview/), we treat a wide range of mental health concerns, and we want you to be able to identify the early indicators of mental illness so that you, your friends, and your family can get help and start to recover as soon as possible. ### A Common Problem with Mental Health [One in five adults](https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/May-2021/Five-Warning-Signs-of-Mental-Illness-that-People-Miss) struggles with mental health and up to half of all people with mental illness start to display symptoms by the age of 14. Despite the common occurrence of mental illness, many people do not receive help for years after they begin to struggle. The failure to recognize and respond to red flags for mental illness may be partially due to: - Stigma - Lack of information about mental health - Biases on the part of the person’s family, friends, and medical team - Individual symptoms not perfectly fitting textbook examples of a particular diagnosis Delayed detection and treatment can postpone recovery and make it more difficult to manage mental health long-term. ## Warning Signs for Mental Illness Everyone goes through tough times, and one bad day does not automatically mean that someone is experiencing a mental health condition. However, if you spot several of [these indicators happening over weeks or months](https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/signs-mental-illness), it is probably time to talk to your loved one about what you see and make a plan to ensure they have adequate support: - Changes in sleep patterns and energy levels – your friend or family member is sleeping far more or far less than before. You might see that no matter how much they sleep, they are always tired. They may not have the energy to fulfill their obligations, let alone engage in any recreational activities. For people experiencing a manic episode, no matter how little they sleep, they seem energized. Changes in sex drive can also signal a problem. - Frequent pain – it seems like this person always has a headache, a stomach ache, nausea, or a backache. Perhaps this is the result of a diagnosed medical condition. We already know that physical illness can impact mental health. Up to half of all people diagnosed with medical conditions causing chronic pain also experience depression. There also may not be a known medical cause for the pain. Depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses can have physical symptoms. - Perfectionism – this symptom is often overlooked because it is viewed as an asset. While perfectionistic behavior can lead to high work performance and academic achievement, it can also be an indicator of eating disorders and anxiety, among other things. As with anything else, a person needs to be balanced in how hard they push themselves. - Numbed or really big emotions – people who feel little to no emotion, even about things that used to bring them great joy, may be depressed, while massive mood swings that seem unrelated to what is going on around the person could signal bipolar disorder. Irritability, sadness, and worry that seem out of proportion to an issue can also signal certain mental health concerns. - Avoidant behavior – more than simple procrastination, a person with this behavior is potentially fearful of a certain person, place, or activity. How this manifests can vary considerably. People with schizophrenia, for example, may develop a delusion that a certain person is trying to harm them or that the food from a specific grocery store is unsafe. A person with PTSD may experience flashbacks when they return to a location where they were sexually assaulted and no longer be willing to drive near that location. - Changes in Appearance – lack of attention to grooming or personal hygiene, sudden increases or decreases in weight, or generally looking unwell can signal mental health struggles. - Substance misuse – heavy drinking, misusing prescription medications, or using illicit substances can all be signs of someone who is trying to (consciously or not) self-medicate their mental health struggles. - Ideas that don’t align with reality – when a person seems to believe things that don’t make sense or are clearly not true, it is sometimes referred to as a delusion. This could be anything from believing that the government is watching them to thinking that they are a famous and powerful public figure. - Suicidal thoughts – there are some different ways people typically signal if they are [considering ending their life](https://carolinadunesbh.com/how-to-support-people-who-have-suicidal-thoughts/), which might include: - Wishing they were dead, saying others would be better off if they were not around, or saying that they should kill themselves - Being preoccupied with death or violence - Indicating that they feel trapped or hopeless - Giving away favorite items and otherwise wrapping up loose ends - Saying goodbye to loved ones in a way that feels very final - Gathering up whatever they would use to kill themselves - Experiencing things that others do not – hallucinations can present in a variety of different ways: - voices no one else can hear, which may be menacing or harmless in nature - physical sensations like bugs crawling on their skin - things that aren’t there, which may or may not be distressing ### Child-Specific Warning Signs for Mental Illness and Red Flags While children and adolescents may exhibit some of the same concerns listed above, their development level and developing language skills may also cause them to display the following behaviors: - Changes in school performance - Aggressive or defiant behavior - Nightmares - Tantrums - Intense sensitivity to sounds, smells and physical sensations - Behavior that seems out of character or unusual for a child If you aren’t sure if what you are seeing signals a mental health disorder, it is better to err on the side of caution by getting support for your loved one. At Carolina Dunes, we offer [no-cost, confidential mental health assessments.](https://carolinadunesbh.com/about-us/why-choose-carolina-dunes/) If you think you or a loved one might benefit from mental health treatment, we can help you take the first steps. Get Help Now [(888) 652-3122](tel:+18886523122) [Contact Us](https://carolinadunesbh.com/contact-us/) #### Categories ##### Categories - [Adolescent Treatment](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/adolescent-treatment/) - [Anxiety](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/anxiety/) - [Articles](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/articles/) - [Bipolar Disorder](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/bipolar-disorder/) - [Depression](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/depression/) - [Families](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/families/) - [Mental Health Care](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/mental-health-care/) - [Mental Health Education](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/mental-health-education/) - [Mental Health Treatment](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/mental-health-treatment/) - [Psychiatric Treatment](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/psychiatric-treatment/) - [Recent News](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/recent-news/) - [Schizophrenia](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/schizophrenia/) - [Seniors](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/seniors/) #### Recent Posts [![Carolina Dunes - 7 Bipolar Disorder Facts](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Bel-Aire-Mixing-Alcohol-With-Other-Drugs-Increases-the-Danger-Edited-150x150.jpg)](https://carolinadunesbh.com/7-bipolar-disorder-facts/) #### [7 Bipolar Disorder Facts](https://carolinadunesbh.com/7-bipolar-disorder-facts/) [![Carolina Dunes - Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month - Edited. 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Readable Markdown	Call 24/7 for a no-cost Confidential Assessment at [(888) 652-3122](tel:+18886523122) [Call us now\!](tel:+8886523122) [![Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health logo](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/carolina-logo.svg)](https://carolinadunesbh.com/) - [About Us]() - - [Why Choose Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health?](https://carolinadunesbh.com/about-us/why-choose-carolina-dunes/) - Why Choose Carolina Dunes? As an acute inpatient psychiatric hospital, Carolina Dunes’s trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices address a wide variety of mental health conditions allowing for better outcomes. [Learn More](https://carolinadunesbh.com/about-us/why-choose-miramont/) ![Why Choose Carolina Dunes](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/menu-about-img2.jpg) - [Meet The Team](https://carolinadunesbh.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - Meet The Team An organization is only as good as its people. And we’ve got some great people. Come and meet them and see why Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health is truly unique. [Learn More](https://carolinadunesbh.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) ![Meet The Team](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/team-dropdown.jpg) - [Careers](https://carolinadunesbh.com/about-us/careers/) - Careers Are you ready to join a team of truly caring individuals in Leland, North Carolina? Explore opportunities and contact us to make a real difference in the lives of others. [Learn More](https://carolinadunesbh.com/about-us/careers/) ![Careers](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/menu-about-img5.jpg) - [Events](https://carolinadunesbh.com/about-us/events/) - Events Get the latest information on happenings at Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health. We are pleased to offer various networking and/or educational events throughout the year. [Learn More](https://carolinadunesbh.com/about-us/events/) ![Events](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/menu-about-img.webp) - [How We Help]() - - [Services Overview](https://carolinadunesbh.com/how-we-help/services-overview/) - Services Overview Carolina Dunes is here for anyone dealing with psychiatric symptoms or a mental health crisis in Leland, North Carolina, and the surrounding communities. [Learn More](https://carolinadunesbh.com/how-we-help/services-overview/) ![Services Overview](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/man-couch-dropdown.jpg) - [Inpatient Care](https://carolinadunesbh.com/how-we-help/wilmington-nc-inpatient-care/) - Inpatient Care Our inpatient program offers effective treatment for adolescents, adults, and seniors experiencing acute behavioral health issues, often in the form of a crisis requiring short-term hospitalization. [Learn More](https://carolinadunesbh.com/how-we-help/inpatient-care/) ![Inpatient Care](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/woman-talk-dropdown.jpg) - [Who We Help]() - - [Adolescents](https://carolinadunesbh.com/who-we-help/adolescents/) - Adolescents Caring for patients aged 12 to 17, we offer a structured, safe, and therapeutic environment with a multidisciplinary clinical team, led by a skilled psychiatrist, focusing on each patient’s needs. [Learn More](https://carolinadunesbh.com/who-we-help/adolescents/) ![Adolescents](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/carolina-young-dd.jpg) - [Families](https://carolinadunesbh.com/who-we-help/families/) - Families At Carolina Dunes, we strive to provide an open, friendly, and helpful atmosphere for patients while offering support to families as they deal with the unique challenges facing them. [Learn More](https://carolinadunesbh.com/who-we-help/families/) ![Families](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/family-dropdown.jpg) - [Adults](https://carolinadunesbh.com/who-we-help/adults/) - Adults Carolina Dunes’ acute inpatient psychiatric services are designed to provide intensive, short-term care for individuals who are experiencing severe symptoms of mental illness or emotional distress. [Learn More](https://carolinadunesbh.com/who-we-help/adults/) ![Adults](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/iStock-1452736789-1.jpg) - [Conditions We Treat]() - - [Anxiety Disorder Treatment](https://carolinadunesbh.com/conditions-we-treat/wilmington-nc-anxiety-disorder-treatment/) - Anxiety Disorder Through our Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Program, adolescents (12+), adults, and senior patients can receive effective short-term treatment for the five major types of anxiety disorders. [Learn More](https://carolinadunesbh.com/conditions-we-treat/anxiety-disorder/) ![Anxiety Disorder](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/anxiety-dropdown.jpg) - [Bipolar Disorder](https://carolinadunesbh.com/conditions-we-treat/wilmington-nc-bipolar-disorder/) - Bipolar Disorder We care for those struggling with Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression. This is a major affective or mood disorder characterized by manic or hypomanic episodes. [Learn More](https://carolinadunesbh.com/conditions-we-treat/bipolar-disorder/) ![Bipolar Disorder](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bipolar-dropdown.jpg) - [Schizophrenia Treatment](https://carolinadunesbh.com/conditions-we-treat/wilmington-nc-schizophrenia-treatment/) - Schizophrenia Individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder may have difficulty distinguishing reality from fantasy. Carolina Dunes offers inpatient care for those experiencing acute symptoms and requiring a higher level of care. [Learn More](https://carolinadunesbh.com/conditions-we-treat/schizophrenia/) ![Schizophrenia](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/lady-dropdown.jpg) - [Treatment for Suicidal Thoughts](https://carolinadunesbh.com/conditions-we-treat/wilmington-nc-treatment-for-suicidal-thoughts/) - Suicidal Thoughts At Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health, our mental health professionals offer compassionate, intensive care for adolescents and adults with suicidal ideation or thoughts of suicide. [Learn More](https://carolinadunesbh.com/conditions-we-treat/suicidal-thoughts/) ![Suicidal Thoughts](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/suicidal-dropdown.jpg) - [Resources]() - - [Assessment & Admissions](https://carolinadunesbh.com/resources/assessment-and-admissions/) - Assessment & Admissions Anyone can contact us for information on scheduling an assessment. Assessments are completely confidential, and we are available 24/7 to assist with questions. Call today. [Learn More](https://carolinadunesbh.com/resources/assessment-and-admissions/) ![Assessment & Admissions](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/admissions-dropdown.jpg) - [FAQ](https://carolinadunesbh.com/about-us/faq/) - FAQ Here you will find answers to some frequently asked questions from patients and family members and get to know more about our services. [Learn More](https://carolinadunesbh.com/about-us/faq/) ![FAQ](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/faq.webp) - [Price Transparency](https://carolinadunesbh.com/resources/price-transparency/) - Consumer Pricing Information Providing an outstanding patient experience is our goal. Follow the link for information on pricing that might help you become better-informed. 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[Learn More](https://carolinadunesbh.com/resources/patient-financing/) ![Patient Financing](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/financing-dropdown.jpg) - [Professional & Provider Referrals](https://carolinadunesbh.com/resources/professional-and-provider-referrals/) - Provider And Professional Referrals At Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health, we want to collaborate with behavioral health providers, medical providers, first responders, caseworkers and more to provide high-quality compassionate care in our community. [Learn More](https://carolinadunesbh.com/resources/professional-and-provider-referrals/) ![Provider And Professional Referrals](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/provider-dropdown.jpg) - [Events](https://carolinadunesbh.com/about-us/events/) - Events Get the latest information on happenings at Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health. We are pleased to offer various networking and/or educational events throughout the year. [Learn More](https://carolinadunesbh.com/about-us/events/) ![Events](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/menu-about-img.webp) - [Contact Us](https://carolinadunesbh.com/contact/) - [Bill Pay](https://carolinadunesbh.com/billpay/) - [Careers](https://carolinadunesbh.com/about-us/careers/) [![Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health logo](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/carolina-logo.svg)](https://carolinadunesbh.com/) HEALTH LIBRARY - by Jackie Hammers-Crowell - February 13, 2024 [Articles](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/articles/) ![Warning Signs for Mental Illness](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/AdobeStock_451033999-1-scaled-e1735666504854.jpeg) You have started noticing a change in someone you love. You can’t quite put your finger on it, but [something feels different and you are worried](https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/warning-signs-of-mental-illness). Could they be struggling with their [mental health](https://carolinadunesbh.com/spending-time-in-nature-supports-mental-health/)? At [Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health in Leland, North Carolina](https://carolinadunesbh.com/how-we-help/services-overview/), we treat a wide range of mental health concerns, and we want you to be able to identify the early indicators of mental illness so that you, your friends, and your family can get help and start to recover as soon as possible. ### A Common Problem with Mental Health [One in five adults](https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/May-2021/Five-Warning-Signs-of-Mental-Illness-that-People-Miss) struggles with mental health and up to half of all people with mental illness start to display symptoms by the age of 14. Despite the common occurrence of mental illness, many people do not receive help for years after they begin to struggle. The failure to recognize and respond to red flags for mental illness may be partially due to: - Stigma - Lack of information about mental health - Biases on the part of the person’s family, friends, and medical team - Individual symptoms not perfectly fitting textbook examples of a particular diagnosis Delayed detection and treatment can postpone recovery and make it more difficult to manage mental health long-term. ## Warning Signs for Mental Illness Everyone goes through tough times, and one bad day does not automatically mean that someone is experiencing a mental health condition. However, if you spot several of [these indicators happening over weeks or months](https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/signs-mental-illness), it is probably time to talk to your loved one about what you see and make a plan to ensure they have adequate support: - Changes in sleep patterns and energy levels – your friend or family member is sleeping far more or far less than before. You might see that no matter how much they sleep, they are always tired. They may not have the energy to fulfill their obligations, let alone engage in any recreational activities. For people experiencing a manic episode, no matter how little they sleep, they seem energized. Changes in sex drive can also signal a problem. - Frequent pain – it seems like this person always has a headache, a stomach ache, nausea, or a backache. Perhaps this is the result of a diagnosed medical condition. We already know that physical illness can impact mental health. Up to half of all people diagnosed with medical conditions causing chronic pain also experience depression. There also may not be a known medical cause for the pain. Depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses can have physical symptoms. - Perfectionism – this symptom is often overlooked because it is viewed as an asset. While perfectionistic behavior can lead to high work performance and academic achievement, it can also be an indicator of eating disorders and anxiety, among other things. As with anything else, a person needs to be balanced in how hard they push themselves. - Numbed or really big emotions – people who feel little to no emotion, even about things that used to bring them great joy, may be depressed, while massive mood swings that seem unrelated to what is going on around the person could signal bipolar disorder. Irritability, sadness, and worry that seem out of proportion to an issue can also signal certain mental health concerns. - Avoidant behavior – more than simple procrastination, a person with this behavior is potentially fearful of a certain person, place, or activity. How this manifests can vary considerably. People with schizophrenia, for example, may develop a delusion that a certain person is trying to harm them or that the food from a specific grocery store is unsafe. A person with PTSD may experience flashbacks when they return to a location where they were sexually assaulted and no longer be willing to drive near that location. - Changes in Appearance – lack of attention to grooming or personal hygiene, sudden increases or decreases in weight, or generally looking unwell can signal mental health struggles. - Substance misuse – heavy drinking, misusing prescription medications, or using illicit substances can all be signs of someone who is trying to (consciously or not) self-medicate their mental health struggles. - Ideas that don’t align with reality – when a person seems to believe things that don’t make sense or are clearly not true, it is sometimes referred to as a delusion. This could be anything from believing that the government is watching them to thinking that they are a famous and powerful public figure. - Suicidal thoughts – there are some different ways people typically signal if they are [considering ending their life](https://carolinadunesbh.com/how-to-support-people-who-have-suicidal-thoughts/), which might include: - Wishing they were dead, saying others would be better off if they were not around, or saying that they should kill themselves - Being preoccupied with death or violence - Indicating that they feel trapped or hopeless - Giving away favorite items and otherwise wrapping up loose ends - Saying goodbye to loved ones in a way that feels very final - Gathering up whatever they would use to kill themselves - Experiencing things that others do not – hallucinations can present in a variety of different ways: - voices no one else can hear, which may be menacing or harmless in nature - physical sensations like bugs crawling on their skin - things that aren’t there, which may or may not be distressing ### Child-Specific Warning Signs for Mental Illness and Red Flags While children and adolescents may exhibit some of the same concerns listed above, their development level and developing language skills may also cause them to display the following behaviors: - Changes in school performance - Aggressive or defiant behavior - Nightmares - Tantrums - Intense sensitivity to sounds, smells and physical sensations - Behavior that seems out of character or unusual for a child If you aren’t sure if what you are seeing signals a mental health disorder, it is better to err on the side of caution by getting support for your loved one. At Carolina Dunes, we offer [no-cost, confidential mental health assessments.](https://carolinadunesbh.com/about-us/why-choose-carolina-dunes/) If you think you or a loved one might benefit from mental health treatment, we can help you take the first steps. Get Help Now [(888) 652-3122](tel:+18886523122) [Contact Us](https://carolinadunesbh.com/contact-us/) Categories ##### Categories - [Adolescent Treatment](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/adolescent-treatment/) - [Anxiety](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/anxiety/) - [Articles](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/articles/) - [Bipolar Disorder](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/bipolar-disorder/) - [Depression](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/depression/) - [Families](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/families/) - [Mental Health Care](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/mental-health-care/) - [Mental Health Education](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/mental-health-education/) - [Mental Health Treatment](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/mental-health-treatment/) - [Psychiatric Treatment](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/psychiatric-treatment/) - [Recent News](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/recent-news/) - [Schizophrenia](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/schizophrenia/) - [Seniors](https://carolinadunesbh.com/category/seniors/) Recent Posts [![Carolina Dunes - 7 Bipolar Disorder Facts](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Bel-Aire-Mixing-Alcohol-With-Other-Drugs-Increases-the-Danger-Edited-150x150.jpg)](https://carolinadunesbh.com/7-bipolar-disorder-facts/) [7 Bipolar Disorder Facts](https://carolinadunesbh.com/7-bipolar-disorder-facts/) [![Carolina Dunes - Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month - Edited. Two youth sit outdoors holding hands with one another.](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Carolina-Dunes-Teen-Dating-Violence-Prevention-Month-Edited-150x150.jpg)](https://carolinadunesbh.com/teen-dating-violence-prevention-month/) [Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month](https://carolinadunesbh.com/teen-dating-violence-prevention-month/) [![Carolina Dunes - How Exercise Promotes Mental Health. A woman in a black shirt lifts weights during a class as another woman and man do the same in the foreground.](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Carolina-Dunes-How-Exercise-Promotes-Mental-Health-Edited-150x150.jpg)](https://carolinadunesbh.com/how-exercise-promotes-mental-health/) [How Exercise Promotes Mental Health](https://carolinadunesbh.com/how-exercise-promotes-mental-health/) [![2\. A woman at a table, enjoying a coffee cup, with a calm demeanor and a cozy atmosphere around her.](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Carolina-Dunes-Impact-of-Alcohol-on-Mental-Health-Edited-150x150.jpg)](https://carolinadunesbh.com/the-impact-of-alcohol-on-your-mental-health/) [The Impact of Alcohol on Your Mental Health](https://carolinadunesbh.com/the-impact-of-alcohol-on-your-mental-health/) [![Person sitting by a window, journaling and looking out at a city skyline, reflecting quietly in a calm indoor setting.](https://carolinadunesbh.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/New-Year-Resolutions-11000-x-667-px-150x150.jpg)](https://carolinadunesbh.com/resolving-to-address-your-mental-health-in-2026/) [Resolving to Address Your Mental Health in 2026](https://carolinadunesbh.com/resolving-to-address-your-mental-health-in-2026/) Learn more About programs offered at Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health [Contact Us](https://carolinadunesbh.com/contact-us/)
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