Mental illnesses are among the most common health challenges of our time. They affect people of all ages, life situations and social backgrounds. Depression and psychotic disorders are among the clinical pictures that can profoundly change thinking, feeling and acting. Many sufferers initially feel only slight irritation or changes that they cannot quite explain. It is precisely these early signals that deserve attention, because the sooner professional support is provided, the better stabilization can be achieved.
Depression is much more than a temporary depression. It often develops insidiously and manifests itself in various areas of life. Typical changes that those affected feel are persistent depression or emptiness. They may “feel nothing more” or that there is heaviness in them that cannot be shaken off. They lose joy and interest. Things that used to be important, such as hobbies, social contacts and professional tasks, lose their emotional value. In addition, there are self-doubts and brooding; Thoughts revolve around one’s own mistakes, supposed weaknesses or feelings of guilt, which often do not correspond to reality. Those affected change their behavior. They withdraw – meetings are cancelled, conversations are avoided, everyday life becomes tighter. In addition, there is exhaustion and listlessness; even small tasks seem overwhelming. Some hardly sleep anymore, others a lot. The same applies to eating behavior.
These symptoms can intensify over weeks or months. Many sufferers try to “hold on”, but this creates additional pressure. It is important to understand Depression is a serious illness, not a personal weakness. You should seek help
Psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia or a severe affective episode, change the perception of reality. Here, too, the symptoms often start subtly. Early warning signs are an altered perception, of sounds. These appear louder or more meaningful, and colors more intense. Everyday situations suddenly seem strange. This leads to mistrust or uncertainty; Those affected have the feeling that they are being observed or evaluated without any real evidence of this. In addition, there is a mental restlessness: thoughts race, jump or feel “foreign”. Some experience the feeling that thoughts are influenced or controlled. More pronounced symptoms are delusions, fixed beliefs that do not correspond to reality, e.g. being persecuted or possessing special abilities. Then hallucinations such as hearing voices that comment or give commands, or visual impressions that others do not perceive. In addition, there is a disorganization in thinking and behavior, which leads to conversations becoming difficult to understand and actions losing structure. Many people first try to hide the changes or explain them rationally, which creates additional stress.
Early help is so important because mental illnesses are easily treatable. But they require professional support such as family doctors, psychiatric professionals or psychotherapeutic services. It is important to recognize the signs early on and take them seriously. It is a sign of strength to get help. No one must be alone. If someone notices that mood, perception or thinking are constantly changing as everyday life becomes more difficult, or fears and insecurities increase, it makes sense to seek help and listen to medical advice. Mental illnesses can affect anyone – and just as anyone can find their way out of a crisis. The first step is to take your changes seriously. The second is to get support. Professional help is not an admission of weakness, but an expression of self-care and courage.
Wilhelm was also affected by psychotic episodes. The first time he ignored the warning signs, the second time he called his wife and got help. That was the better way.
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