🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 50 (from laksa142)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa050.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://www.verywellhealth.com/signs-of-mental-illness-8789964\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.verywellhealth.com/signs-of-mental-illness-8789964\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/signs-of-mental-illness-8789964","crawl_time":1776217580,"first_indexed_time":1740681946,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,verywellhealth!www,\/signs-of-mental-illness-8789964 s443","src_root_hash":"5681562863987870850","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"20 Warning Signs of Untreated Mental Illness","meta_descriptions":["The signs of mental illness vary depending on the person, risk factors, and mental disorder. Learn which visible and hidden cues to take into account."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Key Takeaways\nMood swings can be a sign of untreated mental health conditions like bipolar disorder and depression.\nOutbursts are common in children with impulse control, conduct disorders, and can also be seen in bipolar and anxiety disorders.\nIntense and uncontrollable sadness is a hallmark of depression and may lead to suicidal thoughts.\nIn the United States, about 1 in 5 adults have some type of\nmental illness\n(mental health condition).\nHowever, mental health challenges can affect people of any age.\nSymptoms of mental health conditions vary. Mood swings and feeling angry or sad are warning signs that you may be struggling with a mood disorder. Or you may notice behavior changes—like social isolation or self-destructive behaviors—in loved ones with a mental health condition.\n1. Extreme Mood Swings\nMood swings involve rapid and intense changes in how you feel. You may rapidly cycle between feelings of elation, anger, irritability, sadness, or indifference. In children or others, you may notice changes in energy level, rapid speech, and more impulsive behavior.\nMood swings may occur in a wide range of mood disorders and mental health conditions. It’s a symptom in 40% to 60% of \nbipolar disorder\n, depression, anxiety disorder, \npost-traumatic stress disorder\n(PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).\n2. Outbursts or Temper Tantrums\nTemper tantrums are\nemotional outbursts\nof yelling, crying, physically lashing out, and aggression toward others. Young children may hold their breath, scream, cry, kick, bite, hit, or collapse onto the ground.\nThese are common symptoms of disruptive,\nimpulse control\n, and\nconduct disorders\n, which all impact emotional regulation.\n Bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and depression can also lead to outbursts.\nTaking on Mental Health Symptoms In Kids\nTalk to a pediatrician if you suspect a child in your care is displaying signs of a mental health condition. A pediatrician may refer you to a mental health specialist or psychiatrist. In addition to getting them prescribed care, you can support a child's mental health by encouraging regular physical activity, a well-balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and connection with family members, friends, and the community.\n3. Excessive Anxiety or Anger\nExcessive anxiety or anger that disrupts daily life can be a\nsign of an anxiety disorder\n.\nAnxiety\nis a feeling of intense fear, worry, guilt, and agitation, something that often arises alongside periods of uncontrolled anger. Children may express anxiety by becoming distant, withdrawn, agitated, upset, or avoiding social contact.\n    \n4. Overwhelming Sadness\nAll-consuming, uncontrollable sadness is a hallmark of depression. You may feel emptiness, hopelessness, and pessimism, a feeling that everything is going wrong. Severe cases can lead to\nsuicidal ideation\n(suicidal thoughts).\nSigns of depression in children include irritability, loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy, and social isolation.\n5. Confused Thinking\nSome mental health conditions can cause you to feel disoriented or hazy, have difficulty concentrating or remembering, or be unable to separate fiction from reality. Confusion can occur alongside depression and anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, and\ndementia\n(declining cognitive impairment, affecting thinking, memory, and aspects of daily life).\nIn others, look for sudden, irregular changes in the subject when speaking, as well as strange, unpredictable behaviors.\n6. Changes in Performance\nChanges in how well you get tasks done or noticeable declines in work or school performance can be signs of a mental health condition. A drop in a child’s grades, loss of interest in extracurricular activities, and lack of enthusiasm about school are, too. \nMany mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, can affect your energy and interest levels and your attention, focus, or ability to retain information.\n7. Hyperactivity\nRestlessness and problems concentrating are hyperactive behaviors, often related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), manic episodes of bipolar disorder, and anxiety, among others.\nIn children, signs of hyperactivity include:\nFidgeting, squirming, or constantly moving while seated\nInterrupting others, impatience\nRunning around or playing at inappropriate times\nStanding up at inappropriate times\nTalking a lot and not being able to do quiet activities\n8. Appetite Changes\nYou may find it difficult to eat and will consume very little food. Or, you may compulsively eat, even when you're not hungry, and feel out of control. Both instances are examples of\neating disorders\n.\nDepression and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder can cause bingeing or compulsive eating in some and appetite loss in others.\n9. Sleep Changes\nSleep is\ncrucial for mental health.\nSleep problems contribute to mental health conditions, and vice versa. Difficulty falling or staying asleep (\ninsomnia\n) and sleeping more than usual (\nhypersomnia\n) arise with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and PTSD, among others.\n10. Lack of Energy\nMental health conditions impact energy levels, resulting in fatigue, disinterest, and the feeling of being slow.\nYou may lose interest in previously enjoyed activities and lack motivation to complete essential tasks. It may be more challenging for children to complete schoolwork or chores, and they give up quickly once started.\n11. Decreased Sex Drive\nWomen facing mental health challenges become less interested in sex, won't respond to sexual stimulation, and feel little to no pleasure during intercourse.\nMales may feel less interested in sex, have fewer sexual thoughts, have erectile dysfunction (ED), and have an inability to maintain an erection.\n12. Inability to Manage Stress\nAn inability to cope with stress or stressful situations is also a symptom of a psychiatric disorder. It’s especially common with anxiety disorder, PTSD, and adjustment disorder (a severe stress reaction to a traumatic life event).\nStressful feelings—worry, tension, and anxiety—become intense and don’t go away. They impact relationships, school or work, and daily life.\n13. Increased Physical Sensitivity\nIncreased sensitivity to touch, sound, sight, feel, and pain is a common sign of PTSD, sensory processing disorders, OCD, and neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism and attention-deficit\/ hyperactivity disorder). Overstimulation causes severe discomfort, so people with certain mental health conditions avoid crowded, loud, or overstimulating environments.\nIn young children, increased physical sensitivity causes crankiness, tantrums, crying, and defiant behaviors.\n14. Withdrawal and Social Isolation\nDepression and mood disorders cause a sudden withdrawal from others, along with a complete or nearly complete lack of social contact (social isolation). It may present as a loss of interest in activities you’d previously enjoyed and a lack of desire to go to work or school, see friends or family, or be around people in general.\nFearful and avoidant social behaviors are a key sign of anxiety disorders, especially social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder.\n15. Feeling Helpless or Hopeless\nFeeling hopeless or helpless are signs of depression, depressive phases of bipolar disorder, and other conditions.\nYou may feel like everything is going wrong and spinning out of control lack hope that things will improve in the future. Sadness, bitterness, or irritation often accompany these feelings.\nIn children, this can lead to tantrums, social isolation, and loss of interest in play.\n16. Apathy and Feeling Disconnected\nAssociated with depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders is a feeling of\napathy\nand a lack of connection to others and surroundings. Typical signs include a lack of motivation and indifference to favored activities, friends, or family. Children with this condition lose interest in their favorite toys, games, friends, or other interests.\n17. Drug or Alcohol Use\nExcess recreational drug use or drinking are central signs of\nalcohol use disorder\nand substance use disorder.\nPeople with depression, anxiety disorder, or PTSD may turn to alcohol or substances in an effort to self-regulate. However, these behaviors worsen mental health conditions.\nCertain behaviors, such as social avoidance, erratic behavior, and failure to meet obligations, are telltale signs of alcohol and substance use in others.\n18. High-Risk Behavior\nDepression, manic stages, bipolar disorder, and certain anxiety disorders increase impulsive, self-destructive behaviors.\nThese behaviors include having condomless sex with strangers, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and impulsively eating or spending money, among others.\nChildren or adolescents may break the rules, get in trouble, or push boundaries more than in the past.   \n19. Delusions or Hallucinations\nMental health conditions also cause delusions, false beliefs, and hallucinations. Causing rapid shifts in mental state, these are the primary symptoms of the serious mental disorder\nschizophrenia\nand can be signs of dementia, severe depression, PTSD, and others.\nYou see strange things, hear voices, or lose awareness of your surroundings.\nParents or caregivers may witness erratic or dangerous behaviors in children experiencing delusions or hallucinations (sensing something that does not exist).\n20. Illogical Thinking\nDistorted, unsound thinking can arise with\nborderline personality disorder\n, schizophrenia, and manic episodes of bipolar disorder, among other mental health conditions. You may have irrational beliefs about your influence or power, difficulty comprehending the meaning of events, or cannot separate fact from fiction.\nChildren may quickly shift from topic to topic when talking, or they will contradict themselves.\nWhen to Contact a Healthcare Provider \nCall a healthcare provider if you, your child, or a loved one experiences any of the following:\nA drop in energy levels, school or work performance, and interests\nMedications or therapies have stopped working\nSymptoms lasting four or more weeks\nSymptoms that severely disrupt their life, work, school, or relationships\nSuspected symptoms with a family history of mental health conditions\nUnexplained changes in behavior\nMany insurance companies have search engines to find in-network providers. Resources such as the nonprofit\nOpen Path Collective\n, which offers online and in-person therapy, are also available for people without insurance to access mental health providers at lower costs. \nWho Treats Mental Health Conditions?\nSeveral types of health professionals treat mental health conditions, including psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and counselors. Pediatricians, child psychologists, psychiatrists, and mental health counselors can treat mental health in children.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/signs-of-mental-illness-8789964#skip-to-content)\n\nMenu\n\n- [Health A-Z](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-a-z-4014770)\n  - [Colorectal Cancer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/colon-cancer-4014742)\n  - [Arthritis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/arthritis-overview-4582013)\n  - [Type 2 Diabetes](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/type-2-diabetes-overview-4581874)\n  - [Digestive Health](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/digestive-health-4141198)\n  - [Multiple Sclerosis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/multiple-sclerosis-overview-4581925)\n  - [Skin Health](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/skin-health-4014649)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-a-z-4014770)\n- [Prevention & Treatment](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/prevention-and-treatment-4158390)\n  - [Diet & Nutrition](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/nutrition-diet-and-healthy-eating-5202128)\n  - 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[Public Health](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/public-health-4158386)\n  - [Patient Rights](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/patient-rights-4014673)\n  - [Disability](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/disability-4014735)\n  - [Caregivers & Loved Ones](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/for-caregivers-and-loved-ones-4014749)\n  - [End of Life Concerns](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/end-of-life-overview-4581973)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-care-4014769)\n- [News](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/news-4846412)\n  - [Health News](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-news-4844929)\n  - [Studies & Guidelines](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/studies-and-guidelines-11869035)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/news-4846412)\n\n[More in Mental Health](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/mental-health-5079153)\n\n- [Mental Health Disorder Symptoms](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/mental-health-disorders-symptoms-8646516)\n- [Autism](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/autism-overview-4582004)\n- [ADHD](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/adhd-8430762)\n- [Bipolar Disorder](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/bipolar-disorder-8431792)\n- [Depression](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/depression-8431794)\n- [OCD](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/ocd-related-disorders-8431799)\n- [Anxiety Disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/anxiety-disorders-5205106)\n- [Mood Disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/mood-disorders-5205099)\n- [Eating Disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/eating-disorders-5205104)\n- [Neurodevelopmental Disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/neurodevelopmental-disorders-5205110)\n- [Therapy](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/therapy-5205107)\n- [Personality Disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/personality-disorders-5205101)\n- [Psychotic Disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/psychotic-disorders-5205105)\n- [Substance Use Disorder & Addiction](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/substance-use-disorder-addiction-5205102)\n- [Psychology](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/psychology-8431801)\n- [Trauma & Stressor-Related Disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/trauma-and-stressor-related-disorders-5205109)\n\n[View More](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/mental-health-5079153)\n\nTools & Resources\n\n- [Thyroid Test Analyzer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thyroid-test-analyzer-8647820)\n- [Doctor Discussion Guides](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/doctor-discussion-guides-4179090)\n- [Hemoglobin A1c Test Analyzer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/a1c-test-analyzer-8647852)\n- [Lipid Test Analyzer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/lipid-test-analyzer-8647856)\n- [Complete Blood Count (CBC) Analyzer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/complete-blood-count-cbc-analyzer-8647862)\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/about-us-5180305)\n- [Editorial Process](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042)\n- [Medical Review Board](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003)\n\nVerywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.\n\nⒸ 2026 People Inc. — All rights reserved\n\n# 20 Warning Signs of Untreated Mental Illness\nBy [Mark Gurarie](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/mark-gurarie-4686263)\n\nUpdated on December 08, 2025\n\nMedically reviewed by  [Kira Graves, PhD](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/kira-graves-7497541)\n\n![warning signs of mental illness; Sad lonely young Asian woman having depression symptoms, sitting on sofa at home looking into distance, upset unhappy female worrying about money or family problems. Mental disorders, ](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/qrE3LPJGEzpnipyCbLd65QsSy_8=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-1464738781-4368b41299b543a5b6d29094c23cf42a.jpg)\n\n![warning signs of mental illness; Sad lonely young Asian woman having depression symptoms, sitting on sofa at home looking into distance, upset unhappy female worrying about money or family problems. Mental disorders, ](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/qrE3LPJGEzpnipyCbLd65QsSy_8=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-1464738781-4368b41299b543a5b6d29094c23cf42a.jpg)\n\nDima Berlin \/ Getty Images\n\nClose\n\n### Key Takeaways\n- Mood swings can be a sign of untreated mental health conditions like bipolar disorder and depression.\n- Outbursts are common in children with impulse control, conduct disorders, and can also be seen in bipolar and anxiety disorders.\n- Intense and uncontrollable sadness is a hallmark of depression and may lead to suicidal thoughts.\n\nIn the United States, about 1 in 5 adults have some type of [mental illness](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/mental-illness-5113353) (mental health condition). However, mental health challenges can affect people of any age.\n\nSymptoms of mental health conditions vary. Mood swings and feeling angry or sad are warning signs that you may be struggling with a mood disorder. Or you may notice behavior changes—like social isolation or self-destructive behaviors—in loved ones with a mental health condition.\n\n## 1\\. Extreme Mood Swings\nMood swings involve rapid and intense changes in how you feel. You may rapidly cycle between feelings of elation, anger, irritability, sadness, or indifference. In children or others, you may notice changes in energy level, rapid speech, and more impulsive behavior.\n\nMood swings may occur in a wide range of mood disorders and mental health conditions. It’s a symptom in 40% to 60% of [bipolar disorder](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-bipolar-disorder-8430648), depression, anxiety disorder, [post-traumatic stress disorder](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-ptsd-5084527) (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).\n\n## 2\\. Outbursts or Temper Tantrums\nTemper tantrums are [emotional outbursts](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/emotional-outbursts-5341389) of yelling, crying, physically lashing out, and aggression toward others. Young children may hold their breath, scream, cry, kick, bite, hit, or collapse onto the ground.\n\nThese are common symptoms of disruptive, [impulse control](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/adhd-and-irritability-5667298), and [conduct disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-conduct-disorder-5217049), which all impact emotional regulation. Bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and depression can also lead to outbursts.\n\n### Taking on Mental Health Symptoms In Kids\nTalk to a pediatrician if you suspect a child in your care is displaying signs of a mental health condition. A pediatrician may refer you to a mental health specialist or psychiatrist. In addition to getting them prescribed care, you can support a child's mental health by encouraging regular physical activity, a well-balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and connection with family members, friends, and the community.\n## 3\\. Excessive Anxiety or Anger\nExcessive anxiety or anger that disrupts daily life can be a [sign of an anxiety disorder](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/signs-of-anxiety-11794243).\n\n[Anxiety](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/anxiety-attack-5088600) is a feeling of intense fear, worry, guilt, and agitation, something that often arises alongside periods of uncontrolled anger. Children may express anxiety by becoming distant, withdrawn, agitated, upset, or avoiding social contact.\n\n## 4\\. Overwhelming Sadness\nAll-consuming, uncontrollable sadness is a hallmark of depression. You may feel emptiness, hopelessness, and pessimism, a feeling that everything is going wrong. Severe cases can lead to [suicidal ideation](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/suicidal-ideation-5210286) (suicidal thoughts).\n\nSigns of depression in children include irritability, loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy, and social isolation.\n\nIf you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call or text **988** to contact the [988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline](https:\/\/988lifeline.org\/) and connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call **911**.\n\nFor more mental health resources, including alternate crisis helplines that will not alert the police, see the [Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM) support page](https:\/\/beam.community\/get-help-now\/).\n## 5\\. Confused Thinking\nSome mental health conditions can cause you to feel disoriented or hazy, have difficulty concentrating or remembering, or be unable to separate fiction from reality. Confusion can occur alongside depression and anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, and [dementia](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/dementia-definition-5443257) (declining cognitive impairment, affecting thinking, memory, and aspects of daily life).\n\nIn others, look for sudden, irregular changes in the subject when speaking, as well as strange, unpredictable behaviors.\n\n## 6\\. Changes in Performance\nChanges in how well you get tasks done or noticeable declines in work or school performance can be signs of a mental health condition. A drop in a child’s grades, loss of interest in extracurricular activities, and lack of enthusiasm about school are, too.\n\nMany mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, can affect your energy and interest levels and your attention, focus, or ability to retain information.\n\n## 7\\. Hyperactivity\nRestlessness and problems concentrating are hyperactive behaviors, often related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), manic episodes of bipolar disorder, and anxiety, among others.\n\nIn children, signs of hyperactivity include:\n\n- Fidgeting, squirming, or constantly moving while seated\n- Interrupting others, impatience\n- Running around or playing at inappropriate times\n- Standing up at inappropriate times\n- Talking a lot and not being able to do quiet activities\n## 8\\. Appetite Changes\nYou may find it difficult to eat and will consume very little food. Or, you may compulsively eat, even when you're not hungry, and feel out of control. Both instances are examples of [eating disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/eating-disorders-8584954).\n\nDepression and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder can cause bingeing or compulsive eating in some and appetite loss in others.\n\n## 9\\. Sleep Changes\nSleep is [crucial for mental health.](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/sleeping-position-mental-health-11852215) Sleep problems contribute to mental health conditions, and vice versa. Difficulty falling or staying asleep ([insomnia](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-insomnia-the-features-symptoms-and-causes-3014805)) and sleeping more than usual ([hypersomnia](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/hypersomnia-overview-4582688)) arise with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and PTSD, among others.\n\n## 10\\. Lack of Energy\nMental health conditions impact energy levels, resulting in fatigue, disinterest, and the feeling of being slow. You may lose interest in previously enjoyed activities and lack motivation to complete essential tasks. It may be more challenging for children to complete schoolwork or chores, and they give up quickly once started.\n\n## 11\\. Decreased Sex Drive\nWomen facing mental health challenges become less interested in sex, won't respond to sexual stimulation, and feel little to no pleasure during intercourse. Males may feel less interested in sex, have fewer sexual thoughts, have erectile dysfunction (ED), and have an inability to maintain an erection.\n\n## 12\\. Inability to Manage Stress\nAn inability to cope with stress or stressful situations is also a symptom of a psychiatric disorder. It’s especially common with anxiety disorder, PTSD, and adjustment disorder (a severe stress reaction to a traumatic life event).\n\nStressful feelings—worry, tension, and anxiety—become intense and don’t go away. They impact relationships, school or work, and daily life.\n\n## 13\\. Increased Physical Sensitivity\nIncreased sensitivity to touch, sound, sight, feel, and pain is a common sign of PTSD, sensory processing disorders, OCD, and neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism and attention-deficit\/ hyperactivity disorder). Overstimulation causes severe discomfort, so people with certain mental health conditions avoid crowded, loud, or overstimulating environments.\n\nIn young children, increased physical sensitivity causes crankiness, tantrums, crying, and defiant behaviors.\n\n## 14\\. Withdrawal and Social Isolation\nDepression and mood disorders cause a sudden withdrawal from others, along with a complete or nearly complete lack of social contact (social isolation). It may present as a loss of interest in activities you’d previously enjoyed and a lack of desire to go to work or school, see friends or family, or be around people in general.\n\nFearful and avoidant social behaviors are a key sign of anxiety disorders, especially social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder.\n\n## 15\\. Feeling Helpless or Hopeless\nFeeling hopeless or helpless are signs of depression, depressive phases of bipolar disorder, and other conditions.\n\nYou may feel like everything is going wrong and spinning out of control lack hope that things will improve in the future. Sadness, bitterness, or irritation often accompany these feelings. In children, this can lead to tantrums, social isolation, and loss of interest in play.\n\n## 16\\. Apathy and Feeling Disconnected\nAssociated with depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders is a feeling of [apathy](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/emotional-blunting-8678487) and a lack of connection to others and surroundings. Typical signs include a lack of motivation and indifference to favored activities, friends, or family. Children with this condition lose interest in their favorite toys, games, friends, or other interests.\n\n## 17\\. Drug or Alcohol Use\nExcess recreational drug use or drinking are central signs of [alcohol use disorder](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-is-alcohol-abuse-63273) and substance use disorder. People with depression, anxiety disorder, or PTSD may turn to alcohol or substances in an effort to self-regulate. However, these behaviors worsen mental health conditions.\n\nCertain behaviors, such as social avoidance, erratic behavior, and failure to meet obligations, are telltale signs of alcohol and substance use in others.\n\n## 18\\. High-Risk Behavior\nDepression, manic stages, bipolar disorder, and certain anxiety disorders increase impulsive, self-destructive behaviors. These behaviors include having condomless sex with strangers, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and impulsively eating or spending money, among others.\n\nChildren or adolescents may break the rules, get in trouble, or push boundaries more than in the past.\n\n## 19\\. Delusions or Hallucinations\nMental health conditions also cause delusions, false beliefs, and hallucinations. Causing rapid shifts in mental state, these are the primary symptoms of the serious mental disorder [schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519) and can be signs of dementia, severe depression, PTSD, and others. You see strange things, hear voices, or lose awareness of your surroundings.\n\nParents or caregivers may witness erratic or dangerous behaviors in children experiencing delusions or hallucinations (sensing something that does not exist).\n\n## 20\\. Illogical Thinking\nDistorted, unsound thinking can arise with [borderline personality disorder](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/borderline-personality-disorder-5101291), schizophrenia, and manic episodes of bipolar disorder, among other mental health conditions. You may have irrational beliefs about your influence or power, difficulty comprehending the meaning of events, or cannot separate fact from fiction.\n\nChildren may quickly shift from topic to topic when talking, or they will contradict themselves.\n\n## When to Contact a Healthcare Provider\nCall a healthcare provider if you, your child, or a loved one experiences any of the following:\n\n- A drop in energy levels, school or work performance, and interests\n- Medications or therapies have stopped working\n- Symptoms lasting four or more weeks\n- Symptoms that severely disrupt their life, work, school, or relationships\n- Suspected symptoms with a family history of mental health conditions\n- Unexplained changes in behavior\n\nMany insurance companies have search engines to find in-network providers. Resources such as the nonprofit [Open Path Collective](https:\/\/openpathcollective.org\/), which offers online and in-person therapy, are also available for people without insurance to access mental health providers at lower costs.\n\n### Who Treats Mental Health Conditions?\nSeveral types of health professionals treat mental health conditions, including psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and counselors. Pediatricians, child psychologists, psychiatrists, and mental health counselors can treat mental health in children.\n\nRead more:\n\n- [Health A-Z](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-a-z-4014770)\n- [Mental Health](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/mental-health-5079153)\n\n21 Sources\n\nVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.\n\n1. National Institute of Mental Health. [Mental illness](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/statistics\/mental-illness).\n2. MedlinePlus. [Bipolar disorder](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/bipolardisorder.html).\n3. MedlinePlus. [Anxiety](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/anxiety.html).\n4. Broome MR, Saunders KE, Harrison PJ, Marwaha S. [Mood instability: significance, definition and measurement](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1192\/bjp.bp.114.158543). *Br J Psychiatry*. 2015;207(4):283-285. doi:10.1192\/bjp.bp.114.158543\n5. American Psychiatric Association. [What are disruptive, impulse control, and conduct disorders?](https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/patients-families\/disruptive-impulse-control-and-conduct-disorders\/what-are-disruptive-impulse-control-and-conduct)\n6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [About children’s mental health](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/children-mental-health\/about\/index.html).\n7. National Institute of Mental Health. [Depression](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/publications\/depression).\n8. Rapee RM, Creswell C, Kendall PC, et al. [Anxiety disorders in children and adolescents: a summary and overview of the literature](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.brat.2023.104376). *Behav Res Ther*. 2023;168:104376. doi:10.1016\/j.brat.2023.104376\n9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [Anxiety and depression in children](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/children-mental-health\/about\/about-anxiety-and-depression-in-children.html).\n10. Patel KR, Cherian J, Gohil K, et al. [Schizophrenia: overview and treatment options](https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4159061\/). *P T*. 2014;39(9):638-645. PMID:25210417\n11. National Institute on Aging. [What is dementia? Symptoms, type, and diagnosis](https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/alzheimers-and-dementia\/what-dementia-symptoms-types-and-diagnosis).\n12. MedlinePlus. [Hyperactivity](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/003256.htm).\n13. MedlinePlus. [Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/attentiondeficithyperactivitydisorder.html).\n14. Medline Plus. [Eating disorders](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/eatingdisorders.html).\n15. Freeman D, Sheaves B, Waite F, et al. [Sleep disturbance and psychiatric disorders](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/S2215-0366%2820%2930136-X). *The Lancet Psychiatry*. 2020;7(7):628-637. doi:10.1016\/S2215-0366(20)30136-X\n16. Krakowsky Y, Grober ED. [A practical guide to female sexual dysfunction: an evidence-based review for physicians in Canada](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.5489\/cuaj.4907). *Can Urol Assoc J*. 2018;12(6):211-216. doi:10.5489\/cuaj.4907\n17. Chen L, Shi G, Huang D, et al. [Male sexual dysfunction: a review of literature on its pathological mechanisms, potential risk factors, and herbal drug intervention](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.biopha.2019.01.046). *Biomed Pharmacother*. 2019;112:108585. doi:10.1016\/j.biopha.2019.01.046\n18. MedlinePlus. [Adjustment disorders](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/000932.htm).\n19. American Psychiatric Disorder. [Warning signs of mental illness](https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/patients-families\/warning-signs-of-mental-illness).\n20. American Psychiatric Association. [What is substance use disorder?](https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/patients-families\/addiction-substance-use-disorders\/what-is-a-substance-use-disorder)\n21. Hutchison AK, Kelsay K, Talmi A, Noonan K, Ross RG. [Thought disorder in preschool children with attention deficit\/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10578-015-0594-3). *Child Psychiatry Hum Dev*. 2016;47(4):618-626. doi:10.1007\/s10578-015-0594-3\n\n![Mark Gurarie]()\n\n![Mark Gurarie](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/jbAxv7HMNbYi-XhXaPlyVw_Cjuo=\/144x144\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/Mark-Gurarie-1000-1bdb72526be24161a7d0d5eed3a7cc14.jpg)\n\nBy [Mark Gurarie](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/mark-gurarie-4686263)   \n Gurarie is a writer and editor. He is a writing composition adjunct lecturer at George Washington University.\n\n[See Our Editorial Process](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042)\n\n[Meet Our Medical Expert Board](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003)\n\nShare Feedback\n\nWas this page helpful?\n\nThanks for your feedback\\!\n\nWhat is your feedback?\n\nHelpful\n\nReport an Error\n\nOther\n\nRelated Articles\n\n[![A male doctor discusses a prescription medication with a female patient. The doctor is holding the medication.]() ![A male doctor discusses a prescription medication with a female patient. 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Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.\n\nⒸ 2026 People Inc. — All rights reserved\n\nVerywell Health is part of the [People Inc.](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/) publishing family.","attrs_readable_markdown":"### Key Takeaways\n- Mood swings can be a sign of untreated mental health conditions like bipolar disorder and depression.\n- Outbursts are common in children with impulse control, conduct disorders, and can also be seen in bipolar and anxiety disorders.\n- Intense and uncontrollable sadness is a hallmark of depression and may lead to suicidal thoughts.\n\nIn the United States, about 1 in 5 adults have some type of [mental illness](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/mental-illness-5113353) (mental health condition). However, mental health challenges can affect people of any age.\n\nSymptoms of mental health conditions vary. Mood swings and feeling angry or sad are warning signs that you may be struggling with a mood disorder. Or you may notice behavior changes—like social isolation or self-destructive behaviors—in loved ones with a mental health condition.\n\n## 1\\. Extreme Mood Swings\nMood swings involve rapid and intense changes in how you feel. You may rapidly cycle between feelings of elation, anger, irritability, sadness, or indifference. In children or others, you may notice changes in energy level, rapid speech, and more impulsive behavior.\n\nMood swings may occur in a wide range of mood disorders and mental health conditions. It’s a symptom in 40% to 60% of [bipolar disorder](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-bipolar-disorder-8430648), depression, anxiety disorder, [post-traumatic stress disorder](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-ptsd-5084527) (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).\n\n## 2\\. Outbursts or Temper Tantrums\nTemper tantrums are [emotional outbursts](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/emotional-outbursts-5341389) of yelling, crying, physically lashing out, and aggression toward others. Young children may hold their breath, scream, cry, kick, bite, hit, or collapse onto the ground.\n\nThese are common symptoms of disruptive, [impulse control](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/adhd-and-irritability-5667298), and [conduct disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-conduct-disorder-5217049), which all impact emotional regulation. Bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and depression can also lead to outbursts.\n\n### Taking on Mental Health Symptoms In Kids\nTalk to a pediatrician if you suspect a child in your care is displaying signs of a mental health condition. A pediatrician may refer you to a mental health specialist or psychiatrist. In addition to getting them prescribed care, you can support a child's mental health by encouraging regular physical activity, a well-balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and connection with family members, friends, and the community.\n## 3\\. Excessive Anxiety or Anger\nExcessive anxiety or anger that disrupts daily life can be a [sign of an anxiety disorder](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/signs-of-anxiety-11794243).\n\n[Anxiety](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/anxiety-attack-5088600) is a feeling of intense fear, worry, guilt, and agitation, something that often arises alongside periods of uncontrolled anger. Children may express anxiety by becoming distant, withdrawn, agitated, upset, or avoiding social contact.\n\n## 4\\. Overwhelming Sadness\nAll-consuming, uncontrollable sadness is a hallmark of depression. You may feel emptiness, hopelessness, and pessimism, a feeling that everything is going wrong. Severe cases can lead to [suicidal ideation](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/suicidal-ideation-5210286) (suicidal thoughts).\n\nSigns of depression in children include irritability, loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy, and social isolation.\n\n## 5\\. Confused Thinking\nSome mental health conditions can cause you to feel disoriented or hazy, have difficulty concentrating or remembering, or be unable to separate fiction from reality. Confusion can occur alongside depression and anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, and [dementia](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/dementia-definition-5443257) (declining cognitive impairment, affecting thinking, memory, and aspects of daily life).\n\nIn others, look for sudden, irregular changes in the subject when speaking, as well as strange, unpredictable behaviors.\n\n## 6\\. Changes in Performance\nChanges in how well you get tasks done or noticeable declines in work or school performance can be signs of a mental health condition. A drop in a child’s grades, loss of interest in extracurricular activities, and lack of enthusiasm about school are, too.\n\nMany mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, can affect your energy and interest levels and your attention, focus, or ability to retain information.\n\n## 7\\. Hyperactivity\nRestlessness and problems concentrating are hyperactive behaviors, often related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), manic episodes of bipolar disorder, and anxiety, among others.\n\nIn children, signs of hyperactivity include:\n\n- Fidgeting, squirming, or constantly moving while seated\n- Interrupting others, impatience\n- Running around or playing at inappropriate times\n- Standing up at inappropriate times\n- Talking a lot and not being able to do quiet activities\n## 8\\. Appetite Changes\nYou may find it difficult to eat and will consume very little food. Or, you may compulsively eat, even when you're not hungry, and feel out of control. Both instances are examples of [eating disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/eating-disorders-8584954).\n\nDepression and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder can cause bingeing or compulsive eating in some and appetite loss in others.\n\n## 9\\. Sleep Changes\nSleep is [crucial for mental health.](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/sleeping-position-mental-health-11852215) Sleep problems contribute to mental health conditions, and vice versa. Difficulty falling or staying asleep ([insomnia](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-insomnia-the-features-symptoms-and-causes-3014805)) and sleeping more than usual ([hypersomnia](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/hypersomnia-overview-4582688)) arise with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and PTSD, among others.\n\n## 10\\. Lack of Energy\nMental health conditions impact energy levels, resulting in fatigue, disinterest, and the feeling of being slow. You may lose interest in previously enjoyed activities and lack motivation to complete essential tasks. It may be more challenging for children to complete schoolwork or chores, and they give up quickly once started.\n\n## 11\\. Decreased Sex Drive\nWomen facing mental health challenges become less interested in sex, won't respond to sexual stimulation, and feel little to no pleasure during intercourse. Males may feel less interested in sex, have fewer sexual thoughts, have erectile dysfunction (ED), and have an inability to maintain an erection.\n\n## 12\\. Inability to Manage Stress\nAn inability to cope with stress or stressful situations is also a symptom of a psychiatric disorder. It’s especially common with anxiety disorder, PTSD, and adjustment disorder (a severe stress reaction to a traumatic life event).\n\nStressful feelings—worry, tension, and anxiety—become intense and don’t go away. They impact relationships, school or work, and daily life.\n\n## 13\\. Increased Physical Sensitivity\nIncreased sensitivity to touch, sound, sight, feel, and pain is a common sign of PTSD, sensory processing disorders, OCD, and neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism and attention-deficit\/ hyperactivity disorder). Overstimulation causes severe discomfort, so people with certain mental health conditions avoid crowded, loud, or overstimulating environments.\n\nIn young children, increased physical sensitivity causes crankiness, tantrums, crying, and defiant behaviors.\n\n## 14\\. Withdrawal and Social Isolation\nDepression and mood disorders cause a sudden withdrawal from others, along with a complete or nearly complete lack of social contact (social isolation). It may present as a loss of interest in activities you’d previously enjoyed and a lack of desire to go to work or school, see friends or family, or be around people in general.\n\nFearful and avoidant social behaviors are a key sign of anxiety disorders, especially social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder.\n\n## 15\\. Feeling Helpless or Hopeless\nFeeling hopeless or helpless are signs of depression, depressive phases of bipolar disorder, and other conditions.\n\nYou may feel like everything is going wrong and spinning out of control lack hope that things will improve in the future. Sadness, bitterness, or irritation often accompany these feelings. In children, this can lead to tantrums, social isolation, and loss of interest in play.\n\n## 16\\. Apathy and Feeling Disconnected\nAssociated with depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders is a feeling of [apathy](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/emotional-blunting-8678487) and a lack of connection to others and surroundings. Typical signs include a lack of motivation and indifference to favored activities, friends, or family. Children with this condition lose interest in their favorite toys, games, friends, or other interests.\n\n## 17\\. Drug or Alcohol Use\nExcess recreational drug use or drinking are central signs of [alcohol use disorder](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-is-alcohol-abuse-63273) and substance use disorder. People with depression, anxiety disorder, or PTSD may turn to alcohol or substances in an effort to self-regulate. However, these behaviors worsen mental health conditions.\n\nCertain behaviors, such as social avoidance, erratic behavior, and failure to meet obligations, are telltale signs of alcohol and substance use in others.\n\n## 18\\. High-Risk Behavior\nDepression, manic stages, bipolar disorder, and certain anxiety disorders increase impulsive, self-destructive behaviors. These behaviors include having condomless sex with strangers, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and impulsively eating or spending money, among others.\n\nChildren or adolescents may break the rules, get in trouble, or push boundaries more than in the past.\n\n## 19\\. Delusions or Hallucinations\nMental health conditions also cause delusions, false beliefs, and hallucinations. Causing rapid shifts in mental state, these are the primary symptoms of the serious mental disorder [schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519) and can be signs of dementia, severe depression, PTSD, and others. You see strange things, hear voices, or lose awareness of your surroundings.\n\nParents or caregivers may witness erratic or dangerous behaviors in children experiencing delusions or hallucinations (sensing something that does not exist).\n\n## 20\\. Illogical Thinking\nDistorted, unsound thinking can arise with [borderline personality disorder](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/borderline-personality-disorder-5101291), schizophrenia, and manic episodes of bipolar disorder, among other mental health conditions. You may have irrational beliefs about your influence or power, difficulty comprehending the meaning of events, or cannot separate fact from fiction.\n\nChildren may quickly shift from topic to topic when talking, or they will contradict themselves.\n\n## When to Contact a Healthcare Provider\nCall a healthcare provider if you, your child, or a loved one experiences any of the following:\n\n- A drop in energy levels, school or work performance, and interests\n- Medications or therapies have stopped working\n- Symptoms lasting four or more weeks\n- Symptoms that severely disrupt their life, work, school, or relationships\n- Suspected symptoms with a family history of mental health conditions\n- Unexplained changes in behavior\n\nMany insurance companies have search engines to find in-network providers. Resources such as the nonprofit [Open Path Collective](https:\/\/openpathcollective.org\/), which offers online and in-person therapy, are also available for people without insurance to access mental health providers at lower costs.\n\n### Who Treats Mental Health Conditions?\nSeveral types of health professionals treat mental health conditions, including psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and counselors. Pediatricians, child psychologists, psychiatrists, and mental health counselors can treat mental health in children.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Key Takeaways Mood swings can be a sign of untreated mental health conditions like bipolar disorder and depression. Outbursts are common in children with impulse control, conduct disorders, and can also be seen in bipolar and anxiety disorders. Intense and uncontrollable sadness is a hallmark of depression and may lead to suicidal thoughts. In the United States, about 1 in 5 adults have some type of mental illness (mental health condition). However, mental health challenges can affect people of any age. Symptoms of mental health conditions vary. Mood swings and feeling angry or sad are warning signs that you may be struggling with a mood disorder. Or you may notice behavior changes—like social isolation or self-destructive behaviors—in loved ones with a mental health condition. 1. Extreme Mood Swings Mood swings involve rapid and intense changes in how you feel. You may rapidly cycle between feelings of elation, anger, irritability, sadness, or indifference. In children or others, you may notice changes in energy level, rapid speech, and more impulsive behavior. Mood swings may occur in a wide range of mood disorders and mental health conditions. It’s a symptom in 40% to 60% of bipolar disorder , depression, anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). 2. Outbursts or Temper Tantrums Temper tantrums are emotional outbursts of yelling, crying, physically lashing out, and aggression toward others. Young children may hold their breath, scream, cry, kick, bite, hit, or collapse onto the ground. These are common symptoms of disruptive, impulse control , and conduct disorders , which all impact emotional regulation. Bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and depression can also lead to outbursts. Taking on Mental Health Symptoms In Kids Talk to a pediatrician if you suspect a child in your care is displaying signs of a mental health condition. A pediatrician may refer you to a mental health specialist or psychiatrist. In addition to getting them prescribed care, you can support a child's mental health by encouraging regular physical activity, a well-balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and connection with family members, friends, and the community. 3. Excessive Anxiety or Anger Excessive anxiety or anger that disrupts daily life can be a sign of an anxiety disorder . Anxiety is a feeling of intense fear, worry, guilt, and agitation, something that often arises alongside periods of uncontrolled anger. Children may express anxiety by becoming distant, withdrawn, agitated, upset, or avoiding social contact. 4. Overwhelming Sadness All-consuming, uncontrollable sadness is a hallmark of depression. You may feel emptiness, hopelessness, and pessimism, a feeling that everything is going wrong. Severe cases can lead to suicidal ideation (suicidal thoughts). Signs of depression in children include irritability, loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy, and social isolation. 5. Confused Thinking Some mental health conditions can cause you to feel disoriented or hazy, have difficulty concentrating or remembering, or be unable to separate fiction from reality. Confusion can occur alongside depression and anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, and dementia (declining cognitive impairment, affecting thinking, memory, and aspects of daily life). In others, look for sudden, irregular changes in the subject when speaking, as well as strange, unpredictable behaviors. 6. Changes in Performance Changes in how well you get tasks done or noticeable declines in work or school performance can be signs of a mental health condition. A drop in a child’s grades, loss of interest in extracurricular activities, and lack of enthusiasm about school are, too. Many mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, can affect your energy and interest levels and your attention, focus, or ability to retain information. 7. Hyperactivity Restlessness and problems concentrating are hyperactive behaviors, often related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), manic episodes of bipolar disorder, and anxiety, among others. In children, signs of hyperactivity include: Fidgeting, squirming, or constantly moving while seated Interrupting others, impatience Running around or playing at inappropriate times Standing up at inappropriate times Talking a lot and not being able to do quiet activities 8. Appetite Changes You may find it difficult to eat and will consume very little food. Or, you may compulsively eat, even when you're not hungry, and feel out of control. Both instances are examples of eating disorders . Depression and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder can cause bingeing or compulsive eating in some and appetite loss in others. 9. Sleep Changes Sleep is crucial for mental health. Sleep problems contribute to mental health conditions, and vice versa. Difficulty falling or staying asleep ( insomnia ) and sleeping more than usual ( hypersomnia ) arise with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and PTSD, among others. 10. Lack of Energy Mental health conditions impact energy levels, resulting in fatigue, disinterest, and the feeling of being slow. You may lose interest in previously enjoyed activities and lack motivation to complete essential tasks. It may be more challenging for children to complete schoolwork or chores, and they give up quickly once started. 11. Decreased Sex Drive Women facing mental health challenges become less interested in sex, won't respond to sexual stimulation, and feel little to no pleasure during intercourse. Males may feel less interested in sex, have fewer sexual thoughts, have erectile dysfunction (ED), and have an inability to maintain an erection. 12. Inability to Manage Stress An inability to cope with stress or stressful situations is also a symptom of a psychiatric disorder. It’s especially common with anxiety disorder, PTSD, and adjustment disorder (a severe stress reaction to a traumatic life event). Stressful feelings—worry, tension, and anxiety—become intense and don’t go away. They impact relationships, school or work, and daily life. 13. Increased Physical Sensitivity Increased sensitivity to touch, sound, sight, feel, and pain is a common sign of PTSD, sensory processing disorders, OCD, and neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism and attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder). Overstimulation causes severe discomfort, so people with certain mental health conditions avoid crowded, loud, or overstimulating environments. In young children, increased physical sensitivity causes crankiness, tantrums, crying, and defiant behaviors. 14. Withdrawal and Social Isolation Depression and mood disorders cause a sudden withdrawal from others, along with a complete or nearly complete lack of social contact (social isolation). It may present as a loss of interest in activities you’d previously enjoyed and a lack of desire to go to work or school, see friends or family, or be around people in general. Fearful and avoidant social behaviors are a key sign of anxiety disorders, especially social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder. 15. Feeling Helpless or Hopeless Feeling hopeless or helpless are signs of depression, depressive phases of bipolar disorder, and other conditions. You may feel like everything is going wrong and spinning out of control lack hope that things will improve in the future. Sadness, bitterness, or irritation often accompany these feelings. In children, this can lead to tantrums, social isolation, and loss of interest in play. 16. Apathy and Feeling Disconnected Associated with depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders is a feeling of apathy and a lack of connection to others and surroundings. Typical signs include a lack of motivation and indifference to favored activities, friends, or family. Children with this condition lose interest in their favorite toys, games, friends, or other interests. 17. Drug or Alcohol Use Excess recreational drug use or drinking are central signs of alcohol use disorder and substance use disorder. People with depression, anxiety disorder, or PTSD may turn to alcohol or substances in an effort to self-regulate. However, these behaviors worsen mental health conditions. Certain behaviors, such as social avoidance, erratic behavior, and failure to meet obligations, are telltale signs of alcohol and substance use in others. 18. High-Risk Behavior Depression, manic stages, bipolar disorder, and certain anxiety disorders increase impulsive, self-destructive behaviors. These behaviors include having condomless sex with strangers, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and impulsively eating or spending money, among others. Children or adolescents may break the rules, get in trouble, or push boundaries more than in the past. 19. Delusions or Hallucinations Mental health conditions also cause delusions, false beliefs, and hallucinations. Causing rapid shifts in mental state, these are the primary symptoms of the serious mental disorder schizophrenia and can be signs of dementia, severe depression, PTSD, and others. You see strange things, hear voices, or lose awareness of your surroundings. Parents or caregivers may witness erratic or dangerous behaviors in children experiencing delusions or hallucinations (sensing something that does not exist). 20. Illogical Thinking Distorted, unsound thinking can arise with borderline personality disorder , schizophrenia, and manic episodes of bipolar disorder, among other mental health conditions. You may have irrational beliefs about your influence or power, difficulty comprehending the meaning of events, or cannot separate fact from fiction. Children may quickly shift from topic to topic when talking, or they will contradict themselves. When to Contact a Healthcare Provider Call a healthcare provider if you, your child, or a loved one experiences any of the following: A drop in energy levels, school or work performance, and interests Medications or therapies have stopped working Symptoms lasting four or more weeks Symptoms that severely disrupt their life, work, school, or relationships Suspected symptoms with a family history of mental health conditions Unexplained changes in behavior Many insurance companies have search engines to find in-network providers. Resources such as the nonprofit Open Path Collective , which offers online and in-person therapy, are also available for people without insurance to access mental health providers at lower costs. Who Treats Mental Health Conditions? Several types of health professionals treat mental health conditions, including psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and counselors. Pediatricians, child psychologists, psychiatrists, and mental health counselors can treat mental health in children.
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Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ⓒ 2026 People Inc. — All rights reserved # 20 Warning Signs of Untreated Mental Illness By [Mark Gurarie](https://www.verywellhealth.com/mark-gurarie-4686263) Updated on December 08, 2025 Medically reviewed by [Kira Graves, PhD](https://www.verywellhealth.com/kira-graves-7497541) ![warning signs of mental illness; Sad lonely young Asian woman having depression symptoms, sitting on sofa at home looking into distance, upset unhappy female worrying about money or family problems. Mental disorders, ](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/qrE3LPJGEzpnipyCbLd65QsSy_8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-1464738781-4368b41299b543a5b6d29094c23cf42a.jpg) ![warning signs of mental illness; Sad lonely young Asian woman having depression symptoms, sitting on sofa at home looking into distance, upset unhappy female worrying about money or family problems. Mental disorders, ](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/qrE3LPJGEzpnipyCbLd65QsSy_8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-1464738781-4368b41299b543a5b6d29094c23cf42a.jpg) Dima Berlin / Getty Images Close ### Key Takeaways - Mood swings can be a sign of untreated mental health conditions like bipolar disorder and depression. - Outbursts are common in children with impulse control, conduct disorders, and can also be seen in bipolar and anxiety disorders. - Intense and uncontrollable sadness is a hallmark of depression and may lead to suicidal thoughts. In the United States, about 1 in 5 adults have some type of [mental illness](https://www.verywellhealth.com/mental-illness-5113353) (mental health condition). However, mental health challenges can affect people of any age. Symptoms of mental health conditions vary. Mood swings and feeling angry or sad are warning signs that you may be struggling with a mood disorder. Or you may notice behavior changes—like social isolation or self-destructive behaviors—in loved ones with a mental health condition. ## 1\. Extreme Mood Swings Mood swings involve rapid and intense changes in how you feel. You may rapidly cycle between feelings of elation, anger, irritability, sadness, or indifference. In children or others, you may notice changes in energy level, rapid speech, and more impulsive behavior. Mood swings may occur in a wide range of mood disorders and mental health conditions. It’s a symptom in 40% to 60% of [bipolar disorder](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-bipolar-disorder-8430648), depression, anxiety disorder, [post-traumatic stress disorder](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-ptsd-5084527) (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). ## 2\. Outbursts or Temper Tantrums Temper tantrums are [emotional outbursts](https://www.verywellhealth.com/emotional-outbursts-5341389) of yelling, crying, physically lashing out, and aggression toward others. Young children may hold their breath, scream, cry, kick, bite, hit, or collapse onto the ground. These are common symptoms of disruptive, [impulse control](https://www.verywellhealth.com/adhd-and-irritability-5667298), and [conduct disorders](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-conduct-disorder-5217049), which all impact emotional regulation. Bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and depression can also lead to outbursts. ### Taking on Mental Health Symptoms In Kids Talk to a pediatrician if you suspect a child in your care is displaying signs of a mental health condition. A pediatrician may refer you to a mental health specialist or psychiatrist. In addition to getting them prescribed care, you can support a child's mental health by encouraging regular physical activity, a well-balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and connection with family members, friends, and the community. ## 3\. Excessive Anxiety or Anger Excessive anxiety or anger that disrupts daily life can be a [sign of an anxiety disorder](https://www.verywellhealth.com/signs-of-anxiety-11794243). [Anxiety](https://www.verywellhealth.com/anxiety-attack-5088600) is a feeling of intense fear, worry, guilt, and agitation, something that often arises alongside periods of uncontrolled anger. Children may express anxiety by becoming distant, withdrawn, agitated, upset, or avoiding social contact. ## 4\. Overwhelming Sadness All-consuming, uncontrollable sadness is a hallmark of depression. You may feel emptiness, hopelessness, and pessimism, a feeling that everything is going wrong. Severe cases can lead to [suicidal ideation](https://www.verywellhealth.com/suicidal-ideation-5210286) (suicidal thoughts). Signs of depression in children include irritability, loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy, and social isolation. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to contact the [988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline](https://988lifeline.org/) and connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911. For more mental health resources, including alternate crisis helplines that will not alert the police, see the [Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM) support page](https://beam.community/get-help-now/). ## 5\. Confused Thinking Some mental health conditions can cause you to feel disoriented or hazy, have difficulty concentrating or remembering, or be unable to separate fiction from reality. Confusion can occur alongside depression and anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, and [dementia](https://www.verywellhealth.com/dementia-definition-5443257) (declining cognitive impairment, affecting thinking, memory, and aspects of daily life). In others, look for sudden, irregular changes in the subject when speaking, as well as strange, unpredictable behaviors. ## 6\. Changes in Performance Changes in how well you get tasks done or noticeable declines in work or school performance can be signs of a mental health condition. A drop in a child’s grades, loss of interest in extracurricular activities, and lack of enthusiasm about school are, too. Many mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, can affect your energy and interest levels and your attention, focus, or ability to retain information. ## 7\. Hyperactivity Restlessness and problems concentrating are hyperactive behaviors, often related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), manic episodes of bipolar disorder, and anxiety, among others. In children, signs of hyperactivity include: - Fidgeting, squirming, or constantly moving while seated - Interrupting others, impatience - Running around or playing at inappropriate times - Standing up at inappropriate times - Talking a lot and not being able to do quiet activities ## 8\. Appetite Changes You may find it difficult to eat and will consume very little food. Or, you may compulsively eat, even when you're not hungry, and feel out of control. Both instances are examples of [eating disorders](https://www.verywellhealth.com/eating-disorders-8584954). Depression and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder can cause bingeing or compulsive eating in some and appetite loss in others. ## 9\. Sleep Changes Sleep is [crucial for mental health.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/sleeping-position-mental-health-11852215) Sleep problems contribute to mental health conditions, and vice versa. Difficulty falling or staying asleep ([insomnia](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-insomnia-the-features-symptoms-and-causes-3014805)) and sleeping more than usual ([hypersomnia](https://www.verywellhealth.com/hypersomnia-overview-4582688)) arise with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and PTSD, among others. ## 10\. Lack of Energy Mental health conditions impact energy levels, resulting in fatigue, disinterest, and the feeling of being slow. You may lose interest in previously enjoyed activities and lack motivation to complete essential tasks. It may be more challenging for children to complete schoolwork or chores, and they give up quickly once started. ## 11\. Decreased Sex Drive Women facing mental health challenges become less interested in sex, won't respond to sexual stimulation, and feel little to no pleasure during intercourse. Males may feel less interested in sex, have fewer sexual thoughts, have erectile dysfunction (ED), and have an inability to maintain an erection. ## 12\. Inability to Manage Stress An inability to cope with stress or stressful situations is also a symptom of a psychiatric disorder. It’s especially common with anxiety disorder, PTSD, and adjustment disorder (a severe stress reaction to a traumatic life event). Stressful feelings—worry, tension, and anxiety—become intense and don’t go away. They impact relationships, school or work, and daily life. ## 13\. Increased Physical Sensitivity Increased sensitivity to touch, sound, sight, feel, and pain is a common sign of PTSD, sensory processing disorders, OCD, and neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism and attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder). Overstimulation causes severe discomfort, so people with certain mental health conditions avoid crowded, loud, or overstimulating environments. In young children, increased physical sensitivity causes crankiness, tantrums, crying, and defiant behaviors. ## 14\. Withdrawal and Social Isolation Depression and mood disorders cause a sudden withdrawal from others, along with a complete or nearly complete lack of social contact (social isolation). It may present as a loss of interest in activities you’d previously enjoyed and a lack of desire to go to work or school, see friends or family, or be around people in general. Fearful and avoidant social behaviors are a key sign of anxiety disorders, especially social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder. ## 15\. Feeling Helpless or Hopeless Feeling hopeless or helpless are signs of depression, depressive phases of bipolar disorder, and other conditions. You may feel like everything is going wrong and spinning out of control lack hope that things will improve in the future. Sadness, bitterness, or irritation often accompany these feelings. In children, this can lead to tantrums, social isolation, and loss of interest in play. ## 16\. Apathy and Feeling Disconnected Associated with depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders is a feeling of [apathy](https://www.verywellhealth.com/emotional-blunting-8678487) and a lack of connection to others and surroundings. Typical signs include a lack of motivation and indifference to favored activities, friends, or family. Children with this condition lose interest in their favorite toys, games, friends, or other interests. ## 17\. Drug or Alcohol Use Excess recreational drug use or drinking are central signs of [alcohol use disorder](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-alcohol-abuse-63273) and substance use disorder. People with depression, anxiety disorder, or PTSD may turn to alcohol or substances in an effort to self-regulate. However, these behaviors worsen mental health conditions. Certain behaviors, such as social avoidance, erratic behavior, and failure to meet obligations, are telltale signs of alcohol and substance use in others. ## 18\. High-Risk Behavior Depression, manic stages, bipolar disorder, and certain anxiety disorders increase impulsive, self-destructive behaviors. These behaviors include having condomless sex with strangers, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and impulsively eating or spending money, among others. Children or adolescents may break the rules, get in trouble, or push boundaries more than in the past. ## 19\. Delusions or Hallucinations Mental health conditions also cause delusions, false beliefs, and hallucinations. Causing rapid shifts in mental state, these are the primary symptoms of the serious mental disorder [schizophrenia](https://www.verywellhealth.com/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519) and can be signs of dementia, severe depression, PTSD, and others. You see strange things, hear voices, or lose awareness of your surroundings. Parents or caregivers may witness erratic or dangerous behaviors in children experiencing delusions or hallucinations (sensing something that does not exist). ## 20\. Illogical Thinking Distorted, unsound thinking can arise with [borderline personality disorder](https://www.verywellhealth.com/borderline-personality-disorder-5101291), schizophrenia, and manic episodes of bipolar disorder, among other mental health conditions. You may have irrational beliefs about your influence or power, difficulty comprehending the meaning of events, or cannot separate fact from fiction. Children may quickly shift from topic to topic when talking, or they will contradict themselves. ## When to Contact a Healthcare Provider Call a healthcare provider if you, your child, or a loved one experiences any of the following: - A drop in energy levels, school or work performance, and interests - Medications or therapies have stopped working - Symptoms lasting four or more weeks - Symptoms that severely disrupt their life, work, school, or relationships - Suspected symptoms with a family history of mental health conditions - Unexplained changes in behavior Many insurance companies have search engines to find in-network providers. Resources such as the nonprofit [Open Path Collective](https://openpathcollective.org/), which offers online and in-person therapy, are also available for people without insurance to access mental health providers at lower costs. ### Who Treats Mental Health Conditions? Several types of health professionals treat mental health conditions, including psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and counselors. Pediatricians, child psychologists, psychiatrists, and mental health counselors can treat mental health in children. Read more: - [Health A-Z](https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770) - [Mental Health](https://www.verywellhealth.com/mental-health-5079153) 21 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https://www.verywellhealth.com/verywell-editorial-process-4777042) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. 1. National Institute of Mental Health. [Mental illness](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness). 2. MedlinePlus. [Bipolar disorder](https://medlineplus.gov/bipolardisorder.html). 3. MedlinePlus. [Anxiety](https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html). 4. Broome MR, Saunders KE, Harrison PJ, Marwaha S. [Mood instability: significance, definition and measurement](https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.114.158543). Br J Psychiatry. 2015;207(4):283-285. doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.114.158543 5. American Psychiatric Association. [What are disruptive, impulse control, and conduct disorders?](https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/disruptive-impulse-control-and-conduct-disorders/what-are-disruptive-impulse-control-and-conduct) 6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [About children’s mental health](https://www.cdc.gov/children-mental-health/about/index.html). 7. National Institute of Mental Health. [Depression](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression). 8. Rapee RM, Creswell C, Kendall PC, et al. [Anxiety disorders in children and adolescents: a summary and overview of the literature](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2023.104376). Behav Res Ther. 2023;168:104376. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2023.104376 9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [Anxiety and depression in children](https://www.cdc.gov/children-mental-health/about/about-anxiety-and-depression-in-children.html). 10. Patel KR, Cherian J, Gohil K, et al. [Schizophrenia: overview and treatment options](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4159061/). P T. 2014;39(9):638-645. PMID:25210417 11. National Institute on Aging. [What is dementia? Symptoms, type, and diagnosis](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/what-dementia-symptoms-types-and-diagnosis). 12. MedlinePlus. [Hyperactivity](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003256.htm). 13. MedlinePlus. [Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder](https://medlineplus.gov/attentiondeficithyperactivitydisorder.html). 14. Medline Plus. [Eating disorders](https://medlineplus.gov/eatingdisorders.html). 15. Freeman D, Sheaves B, Waite F, et al. [Sleep disturbance and psychiatric disorders](https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366%2820%2930136-X). The Lancet Psychiatry. 2020;7(7):628-637. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(20)30136-X 16. Krakowsky Y, Grober ED. [A practical guide to female sexual dysfunction: an evidence-based review for physicians in Canada](https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.4907). Can Urol Assoc J. 2018;12(6):211-216. doi:10.5489/cuaj.4907 17. Chen L, Shi G, Huang D, et al. [Male sexual dysfunction: a review of literature on its pathological mechanisms, potential risk factors, and herbal drug intervention](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2019.01.046). Biomed Pharmacother. 2019;112:108585. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2019.01.046 18. MedlinePlus. [Adjustment disorders](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000932.htm). 19. American Psychiatric Disorder. [Warning signs of mental illness](https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/warning-signs-of-mental-illness). 20. American Psychiatric Association. [What is substance use disorder?](https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/addiction-substance-use-disorders/what-is-a-substance-use-disorder) 21. Hutchison AK, Kelsay K, Talmi A, Noonan K, Ross RG. [Thought disorder in preschool children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-015-0594-3). Child Psychiatry Hum Dev. 2016;47(4):618-626. doi:10.1007/s10578-015-0594-3 ![Mark Gurarie]() ![Mark Gurarie](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/jbAxv7HMNbYi-XhXaPlyVw_Cjuo=/144x144/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/Mark-Gurarie-1000-1bdb72526be24161a7d0d5eed3a7cc14.jpg) By [Mark Gurarie](https://www.verywellhealth.com/mark-gurarie-4686263) Gurarie is a writer and editor. He is a writing composition adjunct lecturer at George Washington University. 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Readable Markdown	### Key Takeaways - Mood swings can be a sign of untreated mental health conditions like bipolar disorder and depression. - Outbursts are common in children with impulse control, conduct disorders, and can also be seen in bipolar and anxiety disorders. - Intense and uncontrollable sadness is a hallmark of depression and may lead to suicidal thoughts. In the United States, about 1 in 5 adults have some type of [mental illness](https://www.verywellhealth.com/mental-illness-5113353) (mental health condition). However, mental health challenges can affect people of any age. Symptoms of mental health conditions vary. Mood swings and feeling angry or sad are warning signs that you may be struggling with a mood disorder. Or you may notice behavior changes—like social isolation or self-destructive behaviors—in loved ones with a mental health condition. ## 1\. Extreme Mood Swings Mood swings involve rapid and intense changes in how you feel. You may rapidly cycle between feelings of elation, anger, irritability, sadness, or indifference. In children or others, you may notice changes in energy level, rapid speech, and more impulsive behavior. Mood swings may occur in a wide range of mood disorders and mental health conditions. It’s a symptom in 40% to 60% of [bipolar disorder](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-bipolar-disorder-8430648), depression, anxiety disorder, [post-traumatic stress disorder](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-ptsd-5084527) (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). ## 2\. Outbursts or Temper Tantrums Temper tantrums are [emotional outbursts](https://www.verywellhealth.com/emotional-outbursts-5341389) of yelling, crying, physically lashing out, and aggression toward others. Young children may hold their breath, scream, cry, kick, bite, hit, or collapse onto the ground. These are common symptoms of disruptive, [impulse control](https://www.verywellhealth.com/adhd-and-irritability-5667298), and [conduct disorders](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-conduct-disorder-5217049), which all impact emotional regulation. Bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and depression can also lead to outbursts. ### Taking on Mental Health Symptoms In Kids Talk to a pediatrician if you suspect a child in your care is displaying signs of a mental health condition. A pediatrician may refer you to a mental health specialist or psychiatrist. In addition to getting them prescribed care, you can support a child's mental health by encouraging regular physical activity, a well-balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and connection with family members, friends, and the community. ## 3\. Excessive Anxiety or Anger Excessive anxiety or anger that disrupts daily life can be a [sign of an anxiety disorder](https://www.verywellhealth.com/signs-of-anxiety-11794243). [Anxiety](https://www.verywellhealth.com/anxiety-attack-5088600) is a feeling of intense fear, worry, guilt, and agitation, something that often arises alongside periods of uncontrolled anger. Children may express anxiety by becoming distant, withdrawn, agitated, upset, or avoiding social contact. ## 4\. Overwhelming Sadness All-consuming, uncontrollable sadness is a hallmark of depression. You may feel emptiness, hopelessness, and pessimism, a feeling that everything is going wrong. Severe cases can lead to [suicidal ideation](https://www.verywellhealth.com/suicidal-ideation-5210286) (suicidal thoughts). Signs of depression in children include irritability, loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy, and social isolation. ## 5\. Confused Thinking Some mental health conditions can cause you to feel disoriented or hazy, have difficulty concentrating or remembering, or be unable to separate fiction from reality. Confusion can occur alongside depression and anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, and [dementia](https://www.verywellhealth.com/dementia-definition-5443257) (declining cognitive impairment, affecting thinking, memory, and aspects of daily life). In others, look for sudden, irregular changes in the subject when speaking, as well as strange, unpredictable behaviors. ## 6\. Changes in Performance Changes in how well you get tasks done or noticeable declines in work or school performance can be signs of a mental health condition. A drop in a child’s grades, loss of interest in extracurricular activities, and lack of enthusiasm about school are, too. Many mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, can affect your energy and interest levels and your attention, focus, or ability to retain information. ## 7\. Hyperactivity Restlessness and problems concentrating are hyperactive behaviors, often related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), manic episodes of bipolar disorder, and anxiety, among others. In children, signs of hyperactivity include: - Fidgeting, squirming, or constantly moving while seated - Interrupting others, impatience - Running around or playing at inappropriate times - Standing up at inappropriate times - Talking a lot and not being able to do quiet activities ## 8\. Appetite Changes You may find it difficult to eat and will consume very little food. Or, you may compulsively eat, even when you're not hungry, and feel out of control. Both instances are examples of [eating disorders](https://www.verywellhealth.com/eating-disorders-8584954). Depression and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder can cause bingeing or compulsive eating in some and appetite loss in others. ## 9\. Sleep Changes Sleep is [crucial for mental health.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/sleeping-position-mental-health-11852215) Sleep problems contribute to mental health conditions, and vice versa. Difficulty falling or staying asleep ([insomnia](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-insomnia-the-features-symptoms-and-causes-3014805)) and sleeping more than usual ([hypersomnia](https://www.verywellhealth.com/hypersomnia-overview-4582688)) arise with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and PTSD, among others. ## 10\. Lack of Energy Mental health conditions impact energy levels, resulting in fatigue, disinterest, and the feeling of being slow. You may lose interest in previously enjoyed activities and lack motivation to complete essential tasks. It may be more challenging for children to complete schoolwork or chores, and they give up quickly once started. ## 11\. Decreased Sex Drive Women facing mental health challenges become less interested in sex, won't respond to sexual stimulation, and feel little to no pleasure during intercourse. Males may feel less interested in sex, have fewer sexual thoughts, have erectile dysfunction (ED), and have an inability to maintain an erection. ## 12\. Inability to Manage Stress An inability to cope with stress or stressful situations is also a symptom of a psychiatric disorder. It’s especially common with anxiety disorder, PTSD, and adjustment disorder (a severe stress reaction to a traumatic life event). Stressful feelings—worry, tension, and anxiety—become intense and don’t go away. They impact relationships, school or work, and daily life. ## 13\. Increased Physical Sensitivity Increased sensitivity to touch, sound, sight, feel, and pain is a common sign of PTSD, sensory processing disorders, OCD, and neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism and attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder). Overstimulation causes severe discomfort, so people with certain mental health conditions avoid crowded, loud, or overstimulating environments. In young children, increased physical sensitivity causes crankiness, tantrums, crying, and defiant behaviors. ## 14\. Withdrawal and Social Isolation Depression and mood disorders cause a sudden withdrawal from others, along with a complete or nearly complete lack of social contact (social isolation). It may present as a loss of interest in activities you’d previously enjoyed and a lack of desire to go to work or school, see friends or family, or be around people in general. Fearful and avoidant social behaviors are a key sign of anxiety disorders, especially social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder. ## 15\. Feeling Helpless or Hopeless Feeling hopeless or helpless are signs of depression, depressive phases of bipolar disorder, and other conditions. You may feel like everything is going wrong and spinning out of control lack hope that things will improve in the future. Sadness, bitterness, or irritation often accompany these feelings. In children, this can lead to tantrums, social isolation, and loss of interest in play. ## 16\. Apathy and Feeling Disconnected Associated with depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders is a feeling of [apathy](https://www.verywellhealth.com/emotional-blunting-8678487) and a lack of connection to others and surroundings. Typical signs include a lack of motivation and indifference to favored activities, friends, or family. Children with this condition lose interest in their favorite toys, games, friends, or other interests. ## 17\. Drug or Alcohol Use Excess recreational drug use or drinking are central signs of [alcohol use disorder](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-alcohol-abuse-63273) and substance use disorder. People with depression, anxiety disorder, or PTSD may turn to alcohol or substances in an effort to self-regulate. However, these behaviors worsen mental health conditions. Certain behaviors, such as social avoidance, erratic behavior, and failure to meet obligations, are telltale signs of alcohol and substance use in others. ## 18\. High-Risk Behavior Depression, manic stages, bipolar disorder, and certain anxiety disorders increase impulsive, self-destructive behaviors. These behaviors include having condomless sex with strangers, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and impulsively eating or spending money, among others. Children or adolescents may break the rules, get in trouble, or push boundaries more than in the past. ## 19\. Delusions or Hallucinations Mental health conditions also cause delusions, false beliefs, and hallucinations. Causing rapid shifts in mental state, these are the primary symptoms of the serious mental disorder [schizophrenia](https://www.verywellhealth.com/early-signs-schizophrenia-5101519) and can be signs of dementia, severe depression, PTSD, and others. You see strange things, hear voices, or lose awareness of your surroundings. Parents or caregivers may witness erratic or dangerous behaviors in children experiencing delusions or hallucinations (sensing something that does not exist). ## 20\. Illogical Thinking Distorted, unsound thinking can arise with [borderline personality disorder](https://www.verywellhealth.com/borderline-personality-disorder-5101291), schizophrenia, and manic episodes of bipolar disorder, among other mental health conditions. You may have irrational beliefs about your influence or power, difficulty comprehending the meaning of events, or cannot separate fact from fiction. Children may quickly shift from topic to topic when talking, or they will contradict themselves. ## When to Contact a Healthcare Provider Call a healthcare provider if you, your child, or a loved one experiences any of the following: - A drop in energy levels, school or work performance, and interests - Medications or therapies have stopped working - Symptoms lasting four or more weeks - Symptoms that severely disrupt their life, work, school, or relationships - Suspected symptoms with a family history of mental health conditions - Unexplained changes in behavior Many insurance companies have search engines to find in-network providers. Resources such as the nonprofit [Open Path Collective](https://openpathcollective.org/), which offers online and in-person therapy, are also available for people without insurance to access mental health providers at lower costs. ### Who Treats Mental Health Conditions? Several types of health professionals treat mental health conditions, including psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and counselors. Pediatricians, child psychologists, psychiatrists, and mental health counselors can treat mental health in children.
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