Mental health is one of the most important aspects of every human well-being, but sadly it remains one of the most overlooked aspects of our well-being. And sadly, in Nigeria, there are a lot of stigmas around mental issues, meanwhile recognizing the early signs of mental illness can help individuals seek help. Mental illness is no respecter of age, gender, or even status, it can affect anyone.
It is very important to know how to identify mental illness symptoms, especially in the fast-paced world we live in, mental illness can take form in many ways, depending on the severity. 

Common symptoms of mental illness include:
• Sleep or appetite changes, as well as a decline in personal care.
• Mood changes, rapid shifts in emotions or depressed feelings, and greater irritability.
• Recent withdrawal and loss of social interest in activities previously enjoyed.
• An unusual drop in functioning, at school, work, or social activities, such as quitting sports, failing in school, or difficulty performing familiar tasks.
• Problems with concentration, memory, or logical thought and speech that are hard to explain.
• Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells, or touch; avoidance of over-stimulating situations.
• Apathy (Loss of initiative or desire to participate in any activity.)
• A vague feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one’s surroundings; a sense of unreality.
• Illogical thinking, unusual or exaggerated beliefs about personal powers to understand meanings or influence events; illogical or “magical” thinking typical of childhood in an adult.
• Fear or suspiciousness of others or a strong nervous feeling.
• Unusual behaviour (Odd, uncharacteristic, peculiar behaviour.)
• Changes in school or work (Increased absenteeism, worsening performance, difficulties in relationships with peers and co-workers).
• Substance Abuse (Increased intake of drugs and alcohol to cope with stress, trauma, or emotional pain).