Frequently asked questions

What is mental health?
Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting how individuals think, feel, and act. It influences how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
Source: World Health Organization

Can mental health disorders be treated?
Yes, many mental health conditions are treatable with a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Source: National Institute of Mental Health

How common are mental health disorders?
Approximately 1 in 8 people globally live with a mental disorder, with many not receiving the care they need.
Source: World Health Organization

What are the symptoms of depression?
Common symptoms include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and thoughts of death or suicide. Source: Mount Sinai Health

What causes depression?
Depression can result from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
Source: National Institute of Mental Health

What are signs of depression in a teenager?
Teen depression often looks like persistent sadness or irritability rather than occasional moodiness. Warning signs include lasting low mood and frequent tearfulness, loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy, withdrawal from friends or family, and changes in eating or sleeping (sleeping too much or insomnia, weight loss or gain) mayoclinic.orgmayoclinic.org. Depressed teens may also show declining school performance and difficulty concentrating, express feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, or even talk about death or suicidemayoclinic.orgmayoclinic.org. Irritability or unexplained anger is common in depressed adolescents (sometimes more prominent than sadness), so a teen who is constantly angry or easily frustrated – along with other symptoms – might be experiencing depression.

Can children suffer from depression?
Yes. Depression is not just an adult problem – children can experience depression, though it may manifest a bit differently. A depressed child might be persistently sad or hopeless, irritable or cranky all the time, lose interest in play, and have low energynhs.uknhs.uk. Other signs include changes in eating or sleeping, frequent tummy aches or headaches without a clear cause, withdrawing from friends or becoming clingy, and even talking about feeling worthless or wanting to dienhs.uknhs.uk. If a child’s low mood and behavior changes last for weeks and start to disrupt school or family life, it’s important to seek professional help – depression does not only affect adultsnhs.uk.

What is postpartum depression and what are its symptoms?
Postpartum depression is a form of major depression that occurs after childbirth (sometimes starting during pregnancy), and it’s more intense and longer-lasting than the short-term “baby blues” mayoclinic.orgmayoclinic.org. New mothers with postpartum depression experience persistent sadness or hopelessness, frequent crying spells, extreme fatigue, and often difficulty bonding with the babymayoclinic.org. Other symptoms include loss of appetite or overeating, insomnia or excessive sleeping, feelings of being a “bad mother” or overwhelming guilt, irritability and anger, and sometimes thoughts of harming oneself or the babymayoclinic.orgmayoclinic.org. These symptoms typically develop within the first few weeks after delivery, and unlike milder baby blues, they don’t go away on their own.

What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.
Source: National Institute of Mental Health

What are the symptoms of ADHD?
Symptoms include difficulty sustaining attention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and disorganization.
Source: National Institute of Mental Health

How is ADHD diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation, including medical, developmental, and educational history, and may include input from family members and teachers.
Source: National Institute of Mental Health

How is ADHD treated?
Treatment may include medications (such as stimulants), behavioral therapy, organizational strategies, and lifestyle changes.
Source: National Institute of Mental Health

Can ADHD be outgrown?
While some children may see a reduction in symptoms as they age, many individuals continue to experience symptoms into adulthood.
Source: National Institute of Mental Health

How do I stop a panic attack?
While you can't always stop a panic attack once it starts, you can reduce its intensity by accepting that it's happening and using techniques like deep breathing, grounding exercises, and sensory input to reconnect with your body.

What is anxiety?
Anxiety involves feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. It's a normal reaction to stress but can become a disorder if persistent and overwhelming.
Source: National Institute of Mental Health

What are the symptoms of anxiety disorders?
Symptoms can include excessive worry, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms like increased heart rate.
Source: National Institute of Mental Health

How are anxiety disorders treated?
Treatment may involve psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy), medications (like SSRIs or SNRIs), and lifestyle modifications.
Source: National Institute of Mental Health

How can I tell if my child has an anxiety disorder?
Children with anxiety disorders show excessive worry or fear that impacts their daily life. Warning signs in kids include frequent “what if” worries or clinginess, trouble sleeping (nightmares or bedtime fear), physical complaints like stomachaches or headaches with no medical cause, and irritability or tantrums triggered by stressnhs.uknhs.uk. An anxious child may avoid social situations (like not speaking in class or refusing to go to school) or become extremely upset when separating from parents. If a child’s fears and nervous behaviors are constant and interfere with school, friendships or family life, an evaluation for an anxiety disorder is recommendednhs.uk.

What is social anxiety disorder?
Social anxiety disorder is an intense fear of social or performance situations where one might be judged or embarrassed. It’s more than shyness – it causes people to avoid everyday interactions due to extreme anxiety about being scrutinized. For example, someone with social anxiety may dread speaking in class, meeting new people, or eating in public out of fear of doing something “stupid” or being humiliatednami.org. Physical symptoms like blushing, sweating, or shaky voice often accompany the fear. In short, social anxiety disorder makes social interactions painfully stressful, leading to avoidance of many social activitiesnami.org.

What is the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack?
Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear that trigger severe physical reactions – often peaking within minutes – even when there’s no real danger (people may feel like they’re having a heart attack or can’t breathe). In contrast, the term “anxiety attack” usually refers to a gradual build-up of anxiety in response to a stressor. A panic attack often strikes out of the blue with overwhelming symptoms (racing heart, chest pain, dizziness, etc.) and a sense of impending doommedicalnewstoday.com. An “anxiety attack” tends to be less intense, tied to an identifiable worry, and may last longer (hours or more) as a person’s anxiety mountsmedicalnewstoday.commedicalnewstoday.com. In short, panic attacks are more acute and intense (a burst of panic), whereas anxiety-related episodes build more slowly and are usually proportionate to a trigger or ongoing worry.

What are early signs of ADHD in children?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in kids often shows up as persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity beyond what’s expected for their agemayoclinic.orgcdc.gov. For example, a child with ADHD may be easily distracted, daydream frequently, fidget or squirm a lot, talk nonstop, and have trouble waiting their turncdc.gov. These behaviors usually start before age 12 and occur in more than one setting (home, school, etc.)mayoclinic.org, making it hard for the child to focus or follow through on tasks.

Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD if they weren’t diagnosed as children?
Yes. ADHD often continues into adulthood, even if it wasn’t recognized in childhoodnimh.nih.govnimh.nih.gov. Many adults with ADHD realize their symptoms (like chronic disorganization, restlessness, or difficulty focusing) later in life and can be evaluated for diagnosis. In fact, ADHD is well-known among children and teens, but many adults also have the disordernimh.nih.gov. Professionals can assess an adult’s history and symptoms (which must have begun in childhood) to make an ADHD diagnosis in adulthoodnimh.nih.gov.

What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?
ADD (Attention-Deficit Disorder) is an outdated term for what we now call ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)childmind.org. In the 1980s, “ADD” referred to inattentive-type ADHD without hyperactivity. Today, we use ADHD to encompass all presentations – whether or not hyperactive symptoms are presentchildmind.org. In short, there is no difference – ADD is now considered one of the subtypes of ADHD (specifically, the predominantly inattentive type).

What are early signs of autism spectrum disorder in children?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in young children can present with developmental and social differences. Early signs include not responding to their name, avoiding eye contact, and limited back-and-forth interactions (like not smiling back or not engaging in pretend play)nhs.uk. Children with autism may also exhibit repetitive behaviors (e.g. hand-flapping or rocking) and delayed speech or language skillsnhs.uk. These signs often appear in toddlerhood, and any concerns about communication or social engagement warrant professional evaluation.

What is the difference between ADHD and autism?
While both are neurodevelopmental conditions that can co-occur, ADHD and autism are distinct disordersmedicalnewstoday.com. ADHD primarily affects one’s ability to focus, sit still, and control impulses, leading to inattention and hyperactivitymedicalnewstoday.com. Autism spectrum disorder, on the other hand, mainly involves social-communication challenges and restricted or repetitive behaviorsmedicalnewstoday.com. For example, a child with ADHD might be impulsive and easily distracted, whereas an autistic child might struggle with understanding social cues or may intensely fixate on specific interests. It’s also possible for someone to have both conditions (their symptoms can overlap or add up)medicalnewstoday.com, but the core differences lie in ADHD’s focus on attention/impulse-control versus autism’s impact on social interaction and behavior patterns.

What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
Source: National Institute of Mental Health

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Symptoms include manic episodes with elevated mood, increased activity, and depressive episodes with feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
Source: National Institute of Mental Health

How is bipolar disorder treated?
Treatment typically involves mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle management.
Source: National Institute of Mental Health

What are common symptoms of OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)?
OCD is marked by obsessions (intrusive, unwanted thoughts or urges) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental rituals done to relieve the anxiety from obsessions)nimh.nih.gov. For example, a person might be haunted by fear of germs (obsession) and feel compelled to wash their hands over and over (compulsion) to the point it interferes with daily lifemayoclinic.orgmayoclinic.org. Other common OCD symptoms include checking (e.g. repeatedly checking that doors are locked or appliances are off), counting or arranging things in a very specific way, and hoarding items. The key feature is that the individual feels driven to perform rituals to reduce distress from obsessive thoughts, even though they often recognize the behavior is excessivemayoclinic.org.

What is PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and its symptoms?
PTSD is a condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event (like combat, assault, or a disaster)nimh.nih.gov. Core symptoms fall into four groups: intrusive memories (e.g. flashbacks, nightmares, or involuntary upsetting memories of the trauma)nimh.nih.gov, avoidance of anything that reminds one of the trauma (avoiding places, conversations or even thoughts related to it)nimh.nih.gov, negative changes in mood or thinking (such as persistent fear, guilt or feeling detached/numb, and trouble remembering aspects of the event)nimh.nih.gov, and hyperarousal symptoms (being on edge, easily startled, irritable or having sleep and concentration problems)nimh.nih.gov. For example, a PTSD sufferer might have frequent nightmares and flashbacks, avoid driving down the street where a car accident happened, feel constantly jumpy and tense, and believe the world is very dangerous. These symptoms persist for at least a month after the trauma and significantly disrupt one’s lifenimh.nih.govnimh.nih.gov.

What is complex PTSD (C-PTSD)?
Complex PTSD refers to a form of post-traumatic stress that results from long-term or repeated trauma, usually interpersonal trauma (like chronic abuse) over months or years. It includes the typical PTSD symptoms plus additional difficulties in emotional regulation, self-perception, and relationshipsmy.clevelandclinic.orgmy.clevelandclinic.org. In C-PTSD, aside from flashbacks, avoidance, and hypervigilance, individuals often struggle with controlling their emotions (e.g. frequent explosive anger or deep numbness) and carry a persistent sense of worthlessness or shame about themselvesmy.clevelandclinic.org. They may also have difficulty trusting others or maintaining relationships (feeling permanently damaged or disconnected)my.clevelandclinic.org. Essentially, C-PTSD is linked to prolonged trauma – the symptoms extend beyond standard PTSD, affecting one’s identity and emotional stability (some experts consider it a distinct diagnosis, while others view it as a severe form of PTSD)my.clevelandclinic.orgmy.clevelandclinic.org.

What are warning signs of anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by extreme food restriction and an intense fear of gaining weightmy.clevelandclinic.orgmy.clevelandclinic.org. Early warning signs include significant weight loss or persistently low body weight for one’s age/height, a distorted body image (believing they are “fat” when they are underweight), and obsessive calorie counting or dieting even when not neededmy.clevelandclinic.orgmy.clevelandclinic.org. People with anorexia often avoid eating with others, make excuses like “I already ate,” or eat tiny portions. They may also engage in excessive exercise, misuse laxatives or diet pills, or develop peculiar food rituals. Physical red flags can emerge too: hair loss, fatigue, feeling cold all the time, or loss of menstrual periods in girls due to malnutritionmy.clevelandclinic.orgmy.clevelandclinic.org. If you notice a friend or family member constantly refusing food, dramatically losing weight, and speaking negatively about their body, those are strong warning signs of anorexia.

What are warning signs of bulimia nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating (consuming unusually large amounts of food with a feeling of loss of control) followed by purging behaviors to avoid weight gainmayoclinic.orgmayoclinic.org. Warning signs include evidence of binge eating (like lots of empty food packages or secretive eating) and frequent trips to the bathroom after meals – often to induce vomitingmayoclinic.orgmayoclinic.org. Physical signs of purging can appear: acid reflux or sore throat, dental issues (tooth enamel erosion, cavities), swollen cheeks or jaw from swollen salivary glands, and calluses on the knuckles from self-induced vomitingmayoclinic.orgmayoclinic.org. A person with bulimia may also exhibit extreme concern with body weight, constantly talk about dieting, and have weight that fluctuates (though many with bulimia are close to average weight)mayoclinic.orgmayoclinic.org.