Understanding the main signs of common mental health problems can help us see when someone might need a little extra support. Here’s a simple look at some of these issues and their signs:

1. Depression

• Main Signs: Feeling sad a lot, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, changes in how you sleep or eat, trouble focusing, and feeling like you’re not worth much.

2. Anxiety Disorders

• Main Signs: Worrying too much, feeling restless, having a fast heartbeat, sweating a lot, and being easily annoyed. For example, some people might feel really overwhelmed in groups or crowded places.

3. Bipolar Disorder

• Main Signs: Big shifts in mood, like feeling super happy (mania) one moment and very sad (depression) the next. Someone might switch from being really excited to feeling down very quickly.

4. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Main Signs: Having repeated unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and feeling like you have to do certain things (compulsions) to feel better. For instance, a person might feel like they have to wash their hands over and over again.

5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Main Signs: Experiencing flashbacks, having nightmares, feeling really anxious, and having constant thoughts about something very upsetting that happened in the past.

Being able to spot these signs can be the first step in getting help and taking care of our mental health.