Most Common Mental Health Disorders and Symptoms

Never Give Up: Chapter on Mental Health
By GaryTheExpert, based on the Amazon #1 Bestseller Never Give Up

Depression

Depression refers to a wide range of mental health problems. A person suffering from depression and anxiety may show a variety of symptoms that give you an idea of the severity of their condition. Some common signs include tearfulness, irritability, social withdrawal, fatigue, and loss of confidence. In Chapter 5, Depression’s Not Picky, I will shed more light on these symptoms.

Did you know that 1 in 10 people in Ireland—about 450,000 individuals—experience depression at any given time? The average age for a first episode of depression is in the mid-20s, but it can happen at any stage of life. Take, for example, Gary at 18. While the typical episode lasts 4 to 6 months, depression is completely possible to overcome.

However, at least 50% of people who experience an episode of depression will have another one in the future. Tragically, suicide can be an outcome of severe depression, as many people feel that there is no help available. Feelings of helplessness, combined with ruminating over past issues, can be destructive.

Unfortunately, many confuse depression with sadness, which further pushes down the gravity of this mental health issue. This book, and this blog, aims to shine a bright light on the realities of depression and mental illness. The key takeaway from this chapter: Recovery is possible.

Ruminating means thinking the same thing over and over again, often in a negative manner. I suffered terribly from this—scary stuff!

Anxiety

Professionals often refer to anxiety as General Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
If you experience excessive anxiety and worry on most days over a period of 6 months, it’s important to seek help. People with anxiety often find it difficult to control their worries, leading to fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and muscle tension. Anxiety also affects a person’s ability to concentrate.

Anxiety frequently coexists with depression. While it’s uncommon to eliminate anxiety completely, many people can reduce their symptoms and live a better life. If you’re having trouble controlling your anxiety, don’t hesitate—seek help. There’s no shame in asking for support.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder involves sudden, short-lived anxiety attacks, sometimes related to specific situations or seemingly occurring without a cause. One common coping mechanism is to avoid certain situations that trigger panic attacks. However, this can lead to agoraphobia, a condition where individuals feel their environment is unsafe.

Panic disorder usually develops in mid-teens to mid-20s, but it can occur at any stage in life. Triggers, or things that set off panic attacks, vary for each person.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is characterised by obsessive or compulsive behaviours, often both. An obsession is an unwanted, intrusive thought, image, or urge that keeps entering the mind. Common obsessions include fear of contamination from germs, dirt, or viruses. More extreme obsessions involve fears of harm, sexual thoughts, or violence.

A compulsion is a repetitive behaviour that a person feels driven to perform, such as checking gas taps, cleaning, or washing hands. Compulsions aren’t pleasurable—they’re different from impulsive behaviours like shopping or gambling.

I’ve heard from people that OCD is horrible to live with. But there’s hope—OCD can go into full remission, and that’s great news!

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, a mood disorder, involves extreme mood swings from manic highs to depressive lows. During a manic phase, people may feel heightened energy, creativity, and even euphoria. Sleep becomes difficult, and hyperactivity takes over. Some feel invincible.

On the other hand, the depressive phase brings extreme lows that can last for weeks or even months. Early treatment of bipolar disorder increases the chances of success.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD often develops in response to traumatic events like violence, accidents, or military action. Survivors of war, crime, sexual assault, or life-threatening illnesses are at high risk.

PTSD symptoms usually appear within a month of the traumatic event, but for some, symptoms might take months or even years to surface. The most common symptoms include re-experiencing the event through vivid memories, flashbacks, and nightmares.

Other Mental Health Conditions

* Dyslexia: Difficulty with word recognition, spelling, and comprehension.

* Dysgraphia: Difficulty with handwriting, impaired spelling, or both.

* Dyscalculia: Difficulty learning mathematics.

* Apraxia: Difficulty in saying what one intends to say.

* ADHD: Difficulty staying focused, paying attention, and controlling behaviour, often with hyperactivity.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, know that recovery is possible. Seek help, stay strong, and remember—you are never alone.