Depression

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It can affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, leading to a range of emotional and physical problems. Symptoms may include changes in appetite or sleep, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

Depression can be triggered by various factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental stressors, and chemical imbalances in the brain. It’s important to seek professional help if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, as effective treatments are available, including therapy and medication.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a broad term that refers to feelings of worry, fear, or unease. It can manifest in various forms, including:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life.
• Panic Disorder: Recurrent panic attacks that involve sudden, intense fear or discomfort.
• Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of social situations or being judged by others.
• Specific Phobias: Extreme fear of a particular object or situation.

Symptoms can include restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.

OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that individuals feel driven to perform.

Obsessions: Intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress. Common themes include fears of contamination, harming others, or doubts about safety.

Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors or mental rituals performed to reduce the anxiety caused by the obsessions or to prevent a feared event. These might include excessive handwashing, checking, counting, or organizing.

ADD/ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can interfere with functioning or development. Key Features include:

Inattention: Difficulty sustaining attention, following through on tasks, and organizing activities. This may manifest as forgetfulness, losing things, or being easily distracted. Hyperactivity: Excessive movement or fidgeting, difficulty remaining seated, and talking more than is typical. Individuals may seem restless or unable to engage quietly in activities. Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, interrupting others, or making hasty decisions without considering the consequences.

Behavioral Issues

Behavioral issues can refer to a wide range of problems related to conduct, emotions, and social interactions. These issues often manifest in children and adolescents but can also affect adults. Common Signs of Behavioral Issues:

• Frequent outbursts of anger or frustration
• Difficulty following rules or instructions
• Challenges with peer relationships
• Low frustration tolerance
• High levels of anxiety or avoidance of certain situations

Trauma & PTSD

Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are closely related concepts, but they refer to different aspects of the experience of distress following a traumatic event.

Trauma refers to the emotional and psychological response to an event or series of events that are shocking, harmful, or life-threatening. Traumatic experiences can vary widely and may include physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, accidents, war or combat experiences or a sudden loss of a loved one. Trauma can lead to a range of emotional reactions, including shock, denial, anxiety, and sadness. Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD, but many people will experience some level of distress.

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. It is characterized by a specific set of symptoms that persist for more than a month and can significantly impair daily functioning.

Psychosis

Psychosis is a mental health condition characterized by a disconnection from reality. It can involve symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, and impaired insight. Psychosis can occur in various mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression, and it can also be triggered by substance use or medical conditions.

Perinatal & Postpartum Depression

Perinatal (antenatal) and postpartum depression are types of perinatal depression, a mood disorder that can affect women during pregnancy or after childbirth. Both types can have a significant impact on a woman’s mental health, as well as on her relationship with her baby and her ability to care for herself and her family.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by unhealthy eating behaviors, preoccupation with food, body weight, and body image. They can have severe physical and emotional consequences. Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, are the main types of eating disorders. ARFID.