Mental health problems: an overview of Causes and risk factors and Symptoms and Seeking help and support
Mental health problems: an overview Mental health problems, also referred to as mental illnesses or mental disorders, are conditions that significantly affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. These conditions can make it challenging to cope with daily life, work, relationships, and other demands. Mental health is fundamental to an individual's well-being and a community's effective functioning. Types of mental health problems Mental disorders are diverse and range in severity and symptoms. Some of the most common types include: Anxiety disorders: These are characterized by excessive fear and worry and include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias (e.g., agoraphobia, claustrophobia), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Depression: A mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, and other symptoms that affect da...