Stages of Mental Health Conditions
Stages of Mental Health Conditions
Stage 1
Mild Symptoms and Warning Signs
At Stage 1, a person begins to show symptoms of a mental health condition. However, he or she is still able to maintain the ability to function at home, work or school—although, perhaps not as easily as before they started to show symptoms. Often there is a sense that something is “not right.”
Chato Stewart says: For me this feels like a cold creeping up on me sometimes. I get more emotional. I start to “feel” every emotion of a song or movie or t.v. ad commercial…OH, this is funny, when I cry/get teary-eyed over a Budweiser commercial! The takeaway: mild symptoms can quickly turn into something much worse; prepare accordingly. As my symptoms go downhill, I make an appointment to see my doctor…
Stage 2
Symptoms Increase in Frequency and Severity and Interfere with Life Activities and Roles
At Stage 2, it usually becomes obvious that something is wrong. A person’s symptoms may become stronger and last longer or new symptoms may start appearing on top of existing ones, creating something of a snowball effect. Performance at work or school will become more difficult. A person may have trouble keeping up with family duties, social obligations or personal responsibilities.
Chato Stewart says: At this point my bipolar symptoms are kicking in. I should have an appointment to see my doctor soon…going will depend on how downhill I go. My fuse is short, I’m shutting down, and closing off family and friends. It’s now that I make my attempts to save myself from getting worse.
© Copyright Mental Health America 7/02/2015 b4stage4