Mental Health Conditions

Anxiety Disorder is a mental health condition that can cause constant fear or worry about stressful situations.

Some symptoms of anxiety include:

• Pounding heart
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Regular numbness in the hands or feet
• Insomnia or trouble falling asleep
• Muscle tension
• Trouble concentrating
• Easily irritable
• Constant sense of panic and uneasiness

Sometimes anxiety can be helpful by making people more alert in situations that feel dangerous.

Some types of anxiety disorders include:

GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder): Constant worry about everyday things, even when there’s no clear reason.

Agoraphobia: Fear of situations that feel hard to escape or overwhelming (like crowded places or wide open spaces).

Selective mutism: Anxiety that makes speaking feel impossible in certain situations.

Anxiety can affect the body in many ways, including:

• Impeding your ability to function properly
• Overreacting to situations
• Feeling unable to control responses in specific scenarios
• Racing thoughts
• Restlessness
• Increased heart rate

Treatments for anxiety:

• Stress management techniques (meditation, breathing exercises like the box method, mindfulness)
• Support groups
• Learning more about the condition
• Limiting or avoiding caffeine
• Talking to a healthcare provider about treatment options

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where a person experiences repeated, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and feels driven to do certain actions or rituals (compulsions) to reduce anxiety or to feel “safe.”

Obsessions can look like:

• Fear of germs, contamination, or getting sick
• Worry that something bad will happen unless things are “just right”
• Fear of making a mistake that harms someone
• Thoughts that repeat even when you try to ignore them

Compulsions can look like:

• Washing hands or cleaning over and over
• Checking locks, doors, appliances, or homework repeatedly
• Counting, tapping, repeating words, or arranging items until it feels “right”
• Constant reassurance seeking (“Are you sure?”)

How OCD can affect daily life:

• Rituals can take a lot of time and make it hard to focus on school or work
• A person may avoid places or situations that trigger obsessions
• It can feel exhausting or frustrating — but it’s treatable

Common treatment options:

• ERP therapy: Exposure and Response Prevention (a type of CBT) helps reduce compulsions
• CBT: Helps challenge scary thoughts and build healthier patterns
• Medication: Some SSRIs can reduce symptoms for many people
• Support: Education + family support can make treatment easier

Depression is a mental health condition that makes you feel empty, hopeless, or lose interest in things you normally enjoy.

Some symptoms of depression include:

• Feeling sad or empty most of the day
• Loss of interest or pleasure in things you enjoy
• Fatigue or low energy
• Sleep problems (sleeping too much or too little)
• Changes in appetite
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Restlessness or feeling slowed down
• Trouble completing daily tasks
• Avoiding friends or social activities
• Irritability
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Physical aches or pains with no clear cause
• Loss of motivation
• Feeling like a burden to others

Some types of depression include:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Experiencing depression for at least 2 weeks with symptoms that interfere with daily activities
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): Long-lasting depression that lasts for at least 2 years
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Depression that occurs during certain times of the year, usually when there is less sunlight
• Postpartum Depression: Depression that occurs after giving birth, affecting new mothers

Some ways to cope with depression:

• Talk to a mental health professional (therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist)
• Engage in regular exercise or physical activity, even a 20-minute walk
• Practice self-care: maintain a routine, eat nutritious food, and get enough sleep
• Connect with friends, family, or support groups to reduce isolation
• Consider medication if recommended by a healthcare provider

Sources: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Mayo Clinic, American Psychological Association (APA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO)

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person's ability to pay attention, control impulsive behaviors, and sometimes causes hyperactivity.

Some symptoms of ADD/ADHD include:

• Difficulty paying attention or focusing on tasks
• Easily distracted by sounds, sights, or thoughts
• Trouble organizing tasks or managing time
• Procrastination or avoiding tasks that require sustained effort
• Fidgeting or constant movement
• Difficulty waiting turns or sitting still
• Interrupting others frequently
• Impulsive spending or risky behavior
• Forgetfulness in daily activities
• Losing track of important items (keys, phone, homework)
• Starting tasks but not finishing them
• Difficulty following instructions
• Emotional dysregulation (sudden mood swings)

Some effects of ADHD include:

• Struggling in school or work due to focus issues
• Relationship challenges due to impulsivity or forgetfulness
• Lower self-esteem from repeated failures or criticism
• Difficulty managing emotions and stress
• Higher risk of accidents due to impulsive behavior
• Sleep problems and restlessness

Common causes of ADHD:

ADHD is primarily caused by genetic factors (it runs in families) and differences in how the brain develops and functions. Prenatal factors like maternal smoking or low birth weight may also increase risk.

Some prevention and management strategies:

• Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps
• Use timers, reminders, and organizational tools
• Exercise regularly to improve focus and reduce hyperactivity
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
• Work with a therapist or coach for coping strategies
• Medication (if recommended by a healthcare provider)

Types of ADHD:

• Predominantly Inattentive Type: Main symptoms are difficulty focusing and organization
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: Main symptoms are fidgeting, restlessness, and impulsivity

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It involves having persistent, distressing memories, avoiding reminders, and heightened stress responses.

Common symptoms of PTSD include:

• Intrusive memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event
• Nightmares related to the trauma
• Severe emotional distress when reminded of the event
• Physical reactions to reminders (racing heart, sweating)

Some effects of PTSD include:

• Avoidance of places, people, or situations that trigger memories
• Negative thoughts about oneself or the world
• Difficulty remembering important details of the event
• Persistent blame of self or others
• Persistent negative emotional state (fear, anger, guilt, shame)
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Feeling detached from family and friends
• Inability to feel positive emotions
• Heightened startle response or hypervigilance
• Reckless or self-destructive behavior
• Aggressive or violent behavior
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleep disturbances
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
• Panic attacks
• Dissociation (feeling disconnected from reality)
• Substance abuse as coping mechanism

Common causes of PTSD:

PTSD can develop after experiencing combat, serious accidents, physical or sexual assault, witnessing violence, sudden death of a loved one, life-threatening illness, or other traumatic events.

Some ways to cope with PTSD:

• Seek professional help from a trauma-informed therapist or counselor
• Practice grounding techniques to manage flashbacks and dissociation
• Engage in regular physical activity or yoga
• Connect with support groups for trauma survivors
• Maintain a healthy sleep routine and manage stress

Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition marked by extreme shifts in mood, from very high (manic) states to very low (depressive) states.

Some types of bipolar disorder include:

• Bipolar I Disorder: Characterized by at least one manic episode that lasts at least 7 days (or requires hospitalization)
• Bipolar II Disorder: Characterized by depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes (less severe than mania), but not full manic episodes
• Cyclothymia: A milder form with numerous periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms lasting at least 2 years

Some symptoms of bipolar disorder include:

• During manic/hypomanic episodes: unusually elevated mood and energy
• Racing thoughts and rapid speech
• Decreased need for sleep but feeling rested
• Grandiose ideas about abilities or importance
• Increased goal-directed activity
• Risky behavior (excessive spending, reckless driving, substance use)
• Distractibility and difficulty focusing
• During depressive episodes: persistent low mood and loss of interest
• Fatigue and loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Sleep disturbances
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Common causes of bipolar disorder:

Bipolar disorder is primarily caused by genetic factors (it runs in families), brain chemistry imbalances (neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine), and environmental stressors.

Some prevention and management strategies:

• Medication (mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, or antidepressants as prescribed)
• Therapy (particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy or family therapy)
• Maintaining a consistent daily routine and sleep schedule

Eating Disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by abnormal eating behaviors and obsessive thoughts about food, weight, and body image. They can have severe physical and psychological consequences.

Common eating disorders include:

• Anorexia Nervosa: Characterized by severe food restriction, intense fear of weight gain, and distorted body image
• Bulimia Nervosa: Involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging (through vomiting, laxatives, or excessive exercise)
• Binge Eating Disorder: Recurring episodes of consuming large amounts of food without compensatory behaviors

Warning signs and symptoms:

• Significant weight loss or gain
• Obsessive focus on food, calories, and weight
• Social withdrawal and isolation
• Excessive exercise or food restriction
• Physical symptoms: fatigue, dizziness, cold intolerance, hair loss
• Preoccupation with body image
• Denial of the seriousness of the condition

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder:

• National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Helpline: 1-800-931-2237 (call or text)
• Crisis Text Line: Text "NEDA" to 741741
• Seek professional help from a therapist, nutritionist, or medical doctor
• Support groups and family therapy can be beneficial

Remember: Eating disorders are treatable mental health conditions. Recovery is possible with proper support and professional care.

Suicidal thoughts or behaviors are serious warning signs that someone is experiencing overwhelming emotional pain. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, immediate help is available and recovery is possible.

Warning signs that someone may be at risk:

• Talking about wanting to die or having no reason to live
• Increased substance use or risky behaviors
• Feeling trapped or hopeless about the future
• Expressing unbearable emotional pain
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Saying goodbye or giving away possessions
• Sudden mood changes from depressed to calm or happy
• Researching methods of suicide

Risk factors include:

• Mental health conditions (depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD)
• Substance abuse
• Access to means (firearms, medications)
• Recent loss or major life stressors
• Chronic pain or illness
• Social isolation
• Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness

How to help someone in crisis:

• Take any mention of suicide seriously
• Listen without judgment
• Encourage them to seek professional help
• Stay with them or ensure they're safe
• Remove access to means of self-harm when possible
• Contact emergency services or a suicide prevention hotline

Immediate crisis resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (available 24/7)
• Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741
• International Association for Suicide Prevention: https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/
• Emergency Services: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room

Remember: Suicidal thoughts are treatable. With proper support and professional care, people can recover and find hope.

Co-occurring Conditions (also called comorbidities) occur when a person experiences two or more mental health disorders or physical health conditions at the same time. Many people with one mental health condition also have another.

Common co-occurring combinations include:

• Depression and Anxiety: These often occur together, with anxiety making depression feel more intense
• PTSD and Substance Abuse: People with PTSD may use drugs or alcohol to cope with symptoms
• Bipolar Disorder and ADHD: Both involve attention and mood regulation, leading to overlapping symptoms
• Anxiety and Eating Disorders: Anxiety about body image or control can trigger eating disorder behaviors
• Depression and Chronic Pain: Physical pain and emotional pain often reinforce each other
• Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders: Often referred to as a dual diagnosis

Why do conditions co-occur?

• Genetic factors: If your family has mental health conditions, you may be predisposed to multiple disorders
• Brain chemistry: Imbalances can affect multiple systems, leading to different symptoms
• Stress and trauma: Overwhelming experiences can trigger multiple conditions
• One condition triggers another: Untreated anxiety might lead to depression; pain might lead to substance abuse
• Environmental factors: Isolation, poverty, or chronic stress can contribute to multiple conditions

Challenges with co-occurring conditions:

• Diagnosis can be harder because symptoms overlap
• Symptoms may be more severe or last longer
• Treatment is more complex and requires a coordinated approach
• Recovery takes longer and requires patience
• Higher risk of suicide or self-harm

Treatment approaches for co-occurring conditions:

• Integrated treatment: Working with a team of mental health professionals who understand all your conditions
• Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can address multiple conditions
• Medication: Carefully chosen medications that address symptoms of multiple disorders
• Support groups: Connect with others managing similar combinations of conditions
• Lifestyle changes: Exercise, healthy diet, sleep, and stress management benefit all mental health conditions

Important to know:

Having co-occurring conditions is not a failure—it's a common reality for many people. With proper diagnosis, integrated treatment, and support, people with multiple conditions can recover and live fulfilling lives.