Early signs and intervention with mental illness

The symptoms of mental illness may come on quickly. Almost all mental health problems can be treated or at least lessened in their severity. Getting help early can lead to improved diagnosis and treatment.

Possible indications of mental illness

Signs that a person might have or be developing a mental illness include:

• withdrawing from family, friends and others
• bizarre or unusual thinking
• confusion and disorientation
• destructive or high-risk behaviour
• hallucinations (you can see, hear, feel or taste something that is not actually there)
• problems participating in everyday activities restless, agitated and disorganised behaviour or marked decrease in activity
• significant changes of mood (up or down)
• significant changes in personal hygiene or appearance
• suicidal thoughts or acts of self-harm
• delusions (false beliefs, you strongly feel something is real, but it is not).

Experiencing one or 2 of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have a mental illness but a few occurring together can mean it is time to talk to a healthcare professional, especially if the symptoms are affecting your study, work or relationships.

If left untreated, these early mental illness symptoms may progress to be more serious or lead to a psychotic episode. Psychotic episodes can develop very gradually.

Getting help for mental illness

In urgent mental health crisis situations, call for an ambulance or the police by phoning triple zero (000).

If you are having suicidal thoughts or thinking about hurting yourself in any way, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

If you need non-urgent help, start by contacting your local doctor or community health centre. Local doctors can assess and treat many common mental health concerns, including depression and anxiety. They can also provide referrals to psychiatrists and other mental health care professionals if needed.

Alternatively, you could also discuss your concerns with a trained social worker, occupational therapist, psychologist or counsellor. These mental health professionals are available through most community health centres (CHC).

Treatments for mental illness are more effective than ever before. Sometimes feelings like shame, fear or denial can stop you from seeking help, as can the belief that mental illness is a weakness. Mental illness is a medical issue and help is available.

Specialist mental health services

Public specialist mental health services are available to assess and treat people with serious mental illness, including those experiencing a psychiatric crisis.

Mental health services can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Professional staff at the mental health service will ask you about the problem, including questions about why you have contacted the service and whether you have used public mental health services before. This information will help staff decide which service will be most useful to you.

The service they recommend may be delivered in a hospital or while you continue to live in your home, depending on the issue and its severity. In Victoria, the mental health service system is divided into services for adults (aged 16 to 64), children and youth (aged 0 to 18) and older people (aged over 64).

Services available for children and adolescents include:

• community-based assessment and treatment
• inpatient care.

Services available for adults include:

• continuing clinical care
• crisis assessment and treatment
• mobile support and treatment
• acute inpatient care
• residential rehabilitation
• non-residential rehabilitation
• secure extended inpatient care
• residential and non-residential disability support.

Services available for older persons include:

• assessment and treatment
• acute inpatient care
• interim mental health residential hostel or nursing home care.

To find your nearest service, visit the Mental health services directory.

When to contact a mental health service

If you begin to notice signs of mental illness, it is best to get advice and help as soon as possible.

Finding information can be helpful:

• Do some research about common mental health conditions to see if you recognise any of the signs or symptoms of mental illness.
• Speak to a family member or trusted friend about your thoughts, feelings or behaviour.
• Visit your local doctor for an assessment and advice.
• Speak to a counsellor about your thoughts and feelings, and learn stress management techniques if required.

Early intervention can make an important difference, so seek mental health advice early.

Where to get help

• In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)
• Your GP (local doctor)
• A counsellor
• Your local community health centre
• Lifeline Tel. 13 11 14
• SANE Australia Tel. 1800 187 263
• SuicideLine Tel. 1300 651 251
• Kids Helpline Tel. 1800 55 1800
• Mensline Australia Tel. 1300 789 978
• Beyond Blue – Tel. 1300 224 636