Mental health problems, sometimes called mental illness or mental disorders, covers a broad range of problems with different symptoms. However, they are generally characterized by some combination of abnormal thoughts, emotions, behaviours and relationships with others.

Often, mental health problems are formally diagnosed when they are long-lasting and have a significant effect on a person’s day-to-day life. However, it’s important to remember that not all mental health problems get diagnosed and that diagnosis is not a requirement for someone to receive help and support with their mental health.

Examples of mental health problems include:

• Depression
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Eating problems
• Trauma
• Psychosis
• Personality disorders
• Body dysmorphic disorder

You can find more information on the Mind website about these plus other types of mental health problems and details of where to find help with them.

There are many factors that can contribute to mental health problems and, because everyone is different, some things may affect certain people more than others. Common factors in mental health problems include:

• Biological factors, such as genes, hormones or brain chemistry
• Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
• Family history of mental health problems
• Medication, including contraception, and substances

Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviours can be an early warning sign of a mental health problem:

• Eating or sleeping too much or too little
• Pulling away from people and usual activities
• Having low or no energy
• Feeling numb or like nothing matters
• Having unexplained aches and pains
• Feeling helpless or hopeless
• Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
• Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
• Yelling or fighting with family and friends
• Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
• Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head
• Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
• Thinking of harming yourself or others
• Thinking about ending your life
• Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school

We all need help sometimes. You don’t have to be diagnosed with a mental illness, you don’t even have to know exactly what’s wrong. Whenever you are ready to talk to someone, you can.

If you are worried about your mental health, or about someone else’s, there are lots of places that can offer you help and support.

You can also speak to your friends, family, a trusted adult, GP, a Brook service or another healthcare professional.