Firstly, before explaining the symptoms of demonic possession, I would like to point out that there is a big difference between mental illness and demonic possession. I have seen cases where many possession symptoms are similar to those of mental illness. However, the symptoms listed below will help clarify the difference between the two. Moreover, an expert can usually determine whether it is demonic possession or a mental health condition.

1. Unnatural body movements
2. Speaking in unknown languages or sudden changes to vocabulary
3. Insult toward others
4. Wounds appearing and healing quickly
5. Self possessed thoughts
6. Living a bad life or doing bad things
7. Always feeling sick but doctors can not figure out why
8. Strange types of vomiting
9. Hearing voices when no one is around
10. Feeling like ghosts are bothering you
11. Feeling very angry or upset for no reason
12. Acting or making sounds like an animal
13. Staring at yourself in the mirror for a long time
14. Your eyes changing with the black part getting really big suddenly
15. Suddenly craving raw meat or blood
16. Strong urge to self harm
17. Suddenly wanting to hurt people or animals without any reason
18. Stopping your usual cleaning habits, becoming dirty and smelly
19. Do not feel hungry or eat anything
20. Feeling like something is pressing down on your head
21. Feeling like someone is touching your shoulders from behind
22. Getting weaker and sicker over time, but doctors say nothing is wrong
23. Being severely constipated
24. Feeling very uncomfortable or angry when someone talks about God

Mental Illness vs. Demonic Possession

Some symptoms can be signs of mental illness, not demonic possession. For example, people with mental health issues, like dissociative identity disorder (formerly called split personality) or PTSD, might show similar signs. Also, self-harm or sudden mood changes might happen due to medicine side effects.

In short, if you see someone acting in ways that look like schizophrenia or reactions from drugs, it might seem like possession. Pay attention to if their behavior changes a lot to understand if it is a real change.