Mental Illness
Mental health and Mental Illness are two related yet distinct terms. Mental Illnesses are psychiatric disorders in this page we discuss the different types of mental illnesses and common treatments.
According to the World Health Organization
"A mental disorder is characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, or behaviour. It is usually associated with distress or impairment in important areas of functioning. There are many different types of mental disorders. Mental disorders may also be referred to as mental health conditions. The latter is a broader term covering mental disorders, psychosocial disabilities and (other) mental states associated with significant distress, impairment in functioning, or risk of self-harm. This fact sheet focuses on mental disorders as described by the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11). In 2019, 1 in every 8 people, or 970 million people around the world were living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depressive disorders the most common (1). In 2020, the number of people living with anxiety and depressive disorders rose significantly because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial estimates show a 26% and 28% increase respectively for anxiety and major depressive disorders in just one year (2). While effective prevention and treatment options exist, most people with mental disorders do not have access to effective care. Many people also experience stigma, discrimination and violations of human rights."
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental illness, that is made up of two parts: obsessions and compulsions. People with OCD may experience either obsessions, or compulsions, or both which can cause significant distress.
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Depression
Depression is a widespread and serious mental health disorder marked by ongoing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or enjoyment in most activities. It goes beyond typical mood swings and can severely affect an individual’s daily life, relationships, and overall quality of life. Depression is complex, with a variety of symptoms and causes, and it impacts people in different ways.
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Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety is a natural and often helpful response to stress or perceived threats. It is a complex emotion marked by feelings of unease, worry, or nervousness, typically about uncertain future events. Anxiety can show up both mentally and physically, ranging from mild discomfort to intense distress.
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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after exposure to trauma involving death or the threat of death, serious injury, or sexual violence. PTSD triggers intrusive symptoms like reliving the traumatic event. Many individuals experience vivid nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts that seem to appear unexpectedly. They may also avoid situations or places that remind them of the trauma. For example, someone who was in a car crash may avoid driving.
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People with PTSD often feel anxious or "on edge" all the time. They may startle easily, have trouble concentrating, feel irritable, or struggle with sleep. They may also feel as though something terrible is about to happen, even when they are safe. Some may experience emotional numbness or detachment, feeling disconnected from their surroundings, body, or thoughts.
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Schizophernia
Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that affects how a person perceives and interacts with the world around them. At the onset of an episode, individuals may start to feel that their surroundings seem unusual or distorted. They might struggle with concentration, thinking, or communication, and have difficulty engaging in their usual activities. During the peak of an episode, some people experience a break from reality, known as psychosis. This may include hallucinations (e.g., hearing voices that aren’t there) and delusions (e.g., holding strong beliefs that aren’t true, such as believing they have special powers). Some individuals may feel emotionally flat or disconnected, and may experience changes in mood, motivation, or their ability to complete everyday tasks. After an episode, the effects can persist, with people feeling restless, withdrawn, or having trouble focusing.
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The course of schizophrenia varies widely from person to person. Some may experience only one episode in their lifetime, while others may have multiple episodes. For some, there are periods of wellness between episodes, while others may endure long-lasting episodes. Regardless of the pattern, research shows that early treatment can help reduce the impact of future episodes.
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To learn more about Schizophrenia click on Learn more.
Post-Partum Depression
Postpartum depression is a type of depression that can begin during pregnancy or anytime within the first year after the birth of a child. Depression is a mental health condition that affects a person’s mood—how they feel. Mood influences how individuals view themselves, relate to others, and engage with the world. It goes beyond just having a “bad day” or “feeling down.” Without support and treatment, depression can persist for a long time. A parent experiencing postpartum depression may struggle to bond with their baby and may frequently feel they’re not a good parent. They might also have frightening thoughts about harming themselves or their baby. While it’s rare for someone to act on these thoughts, it is a serious situation that requires immediate medical attention. If you think someone is in danger, don’t hesitate to contact 911 or a local crisis hotline.
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Hoarding Disorders
Hoarding Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by the difficulty of discarding items and the excessive accumulation of things that most people would consider having little or no value. These items can clutter living spaces to the point that they pose risks to the person’s health and safety. Potential harm can include attracting pests, mold growth, and other physical risks, as well as social issues like stigma, shame, and isolation due to fears of judgment about the living conditions. The excessive clutter also creates hazards such as increased chances of trips and falls, fire risks, and blocked exits or entrances.
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While many people have items in their homes that others might see as excessive or unnecessary, hoarding becomes a concern when it causes harm or poses a risk of harm.
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Phobias and Panic Disorders
A phobia is an intense fear of a specific object, animal, or situation. People often go to great lengths to avoid whatever they fear, which can interfere with their daily life. Phobias can impact relationships, work, school, and other daily activities.
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Panic disorder involves experiencing repeated, unexpected panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden wave of intense fear or terror that lasts for a brief period. It is accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, trembling, sweating, or nausea. Some individuals feel as if they’re having a heart attack or suffocating, or even fear that they might die. However, panic attacks typically subside on their own.
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Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mental health condition characterized by significant fluctuations in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to think clearly. Individuals with bipolar disorder experience distinct periods of elevated or irritable moods (mania or hypomania) and depressive episodes.
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Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by persistent disturbances in eating behaviors, accompanied by distressing thoughts and emotions related to food, weight, and body image. These disorders can have severe physical and emotional consequences.
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Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Neurodevelopmental disorders are a group of conditions that affect the development and functioning of the nervous system, leading to challenges in areas such as cognition, communication, behavior, and motor skills. These disorders typically manifest early in development and can impact personal, social, academic, or occupational functioning.
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Substance Use Disorders
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a medical condition characterized by an individual's inability to control the consumption of substances such as alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, opioids, and other drugs, despite their negative impact on one's life.
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