Which assessment finding most clearly indicates that a patient may be experiencing a mental illness? The patient

A. Distinguishing between reality and fantasy shows intact cognition, not mental illness. B. A persistent sad, hopeless mood suggests depression, a hallmark of mental illness when symptoms are severe and ongoing. C. Occasional anxiety and insomnia can be normal stress responses, not necessarily mental illness. D. Difficulty making a decision about work is a common life stressor, not a clear sign of mental illness.