Mental health is a state of well-being where you can cope with the normal stresses of life, manage your emotions and interact positively with others.
There are many different types of mental health problems and symptoms. It is important to know what to look for and where to turn if you are struggling with your mental health.
Depression
Depression is a mental health problem that causes people to feel low and sad for a long time. It can also have an impact on their everyday life and relationships.
Everyone experiences depression differently and it's not just one type. It can vary according to your age, gender and if you're depressed when you have a physical illness such as cancer or heart disease.
It's important to get help if you have any kind of mood problem. It doesn't have to be a long-term thing and there are many treatment options. It can be treated with medication, psychotherapy and changes to your lifestyle.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal feeling of dread and fear, often associated with something that may or may not happen. In some cases, anxiety can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), can be very common and cause a great deal of distress. They can also affect a person's relationships with friends and family.
Anxiety can be linked to trauma and negative life experiences, such as losing a parent in childhood or suffering from chronic health problems. It can also be a side effect of certain medications.
Bipolar disorder
People with bipolar disorder experience periods of intense emotion, changes in sleep patterns and activity levels and uncharacteristic behaviors. They may also experience thoughts and feelings that seem irrational to others (delusions and hallucinations).
Some people with bipolar disorder have more severe episodes than others. They can also have trouble keeping a job or maintaining relationships with loved ones.
Treatment for bipolar disorder focuses on controlling symptoms, making lifestyle changes and improving your self-care. It can also include psychotherapy (talk therapy), which gives you and your family support, education, skills and coping strategies.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that can affect a person's daily life. It involves a loss of touch with reality, known as psychosis, caused by communication disruptions between brain areas.
A schizophrenia diagnosis is made by a psychiatrist after a thorough medical history, physical exam and lab tests. The symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months to be considered schizophrenia.
There are several treatment options for people with schizophrenia. Medications can reduce the most disruptive symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) passes small electric shocks through the brain to help ease some symptoms.
Alcoholism
Alcoholism can have a severe impact on a person's mental health. Drinking can make people feel worse about their mental health problems and make them more likely to develop more serious conditions.
It can also interfere with the brain's natural ability to control its own emotions, making it harder for them to manage their moods. Regular drinking also lowers the levels of serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate mood.
Alcohol abuse can also lead to other mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions are more common in people who have a history of alcoholism.
Mood disorders
Mood disorders affect a person's emotional state. They differ from normal mood fluctuations, which are a natural response to stressors or everyday events.
A mood disorder can make a person feel sad or depressed and irritable. It can also interfere with relationships and work.
Mood disorders can also be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. They can also be triggered by stressful life events like death, divorce or trauma.
Addictions
Addictions are a common mental health problem that can affect a person's mood, behavior and overall wellbeing. It is a chronic condition that requires ongoing care to ensure recovery.
A person can be addicted to many different substances or behaviors, and each addiction has its own specific recovery process.
People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol have a higher risk of developing mental health disorders. Having certain mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder also increases the likelihood of becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol.
When a person is addicted to a substance, they often develop maladaptive ways to cope with stressful situations or emotional upheavals. These may include lying, social withdrawal and changes in weight and energy levels.