10 Common Mental Health Problems – When to Worry and When to See a Doctor
Here are 10 common mental health problems, their symptoms; and when to worry, and when to see a doctor.
1. Depression
- What it is: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities
- Symptoms: Sadness, loss of interest, changes in appetite (especially unexplained weight loss) or sleep, fatigue, difficulty concentrating
- When to Worry: If symptoms persist for more than four weeks or interfere with daily life
- When to See a Doctor: If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts or severe symptoms
Note. Simple mild-moderate depression almost always gets better with time (the best healer).
2. Anxiety Disorder
- What it is: Excessive and inappropriate fear, anxiety, or avoidance of certain situations
- Symptoms: Restlessness, rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, difficulty concentrating
- When to Worry: If symptoms interfere with daily life or persist for more than four weeks
- When to See a Doctor: If you’re experiencing panic attacks or severe symptoms
3. Bipolar Disorder
- What it is: Mood swings between depression and mania or hypomania
- Symptoms: Mood swings, changes in energy, impulsivity, poor judgment
- When to Worry: If you’re experiencing extreme mood swings or impulsive behavior
- When to See a Doctor: If you’re experiencing severe symptoms or suicidal thoughts
4. Schizophrenia
- What it is: A chronic (long-term) mental health disorder characterised by disruption in thought processes, perception, and emotional responsiveness
- Symptoms: Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, disorganised thinking and speech, and negative symptoms such as apathy and social withdrawal
- When to Worry: You should worry if you or a loved one is experiencing persistent and severe symptoms that interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being
- When to See a Doctor: You should see a doctor immediately if you or a loved one is experiencing severe symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions, or if you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others.
5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- What it is: Persistent symptoms after experiencing a traumatic event
- Symptoms: Flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of triggers, hypervigilance
- When to Worry: If symptoms persist for more than a month or interfere with daily life
- When to See a Doctor: If you’re experiencing severe symptoms or flashbacks
6. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- What it is: Recurring, intrusive thoughts and compulsions to perform specific rituals
- Symptoms: Intrusive thoughts, compulsions, avoidance of triggers
- When to Worry: If symptoms interfere with daily life or persist for more than an hour a day, for at least 4 weeks
- When to See a Doctor: If you’re experiencing severe symptoms or distress
7. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- What it is: Difficulty with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity
- Symptoms: Inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, disorganisation
- When to Worry: If symptoms interfere with daily life or persist into adulthood
- When to See a Doctor: If you’re experiencing significant impairment or symptoms
8. Eating Disorders
- What it is: Distorted body image and unhealthy eating habits
- Symptoms: Restrictive eating, bingeing, purging, excessive exercise
- When to Worry: If you’re experiencing significant weight loss or gain, or if symptoms interfere with daily life
- When to See a Doctor: If you’re experiencing severe symptoms or health complications
9. Panic Disorder
- What it is: Recurring panic attacks and fear of future attacks
- Symptoms: Sudden, intense fear, rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling
- When to Worry: If you’re experiencing recurring panic attacks or severe symptoms
- When to See a Doctor: If you’re experiencing severe symptoms or avoidance behaviour
10. Borderline Personality Disorder
- What it is: Difficulty with emotional regulation, impulsivity, and relationships
- Symptoms: Mood swings, impulsivity, unstable relationships, self-destructive behaviour
- When to Worry: If you’re experiencing severe symptoms or self-destructive behaviour
- When to See a Doctor: If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts or severe symptoms
Red Flags: When to See a Doctor Now
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviour
- Severe symptoms that interfere with daily life
- Persistent or worsening symptoms
- Trauma or significant life changes
- Difficulty coping with emotions or stress
If you’re experiencing any of these red flags or persistent symptoms, consult a doctor or mental health professional for proper evaluation and treatment.
