Mental Health Conditions : Understand Symptoms & Causes - Support Begins with Awareness

🌧️ Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)

   

   Symptoms:

• Persistent sadness or emptiness

• Loss of interest in hobbies or daily activities

• Fatigue or low energy

• Changes in appetite or sleep

• Difficulty concentrating

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

• Thoughts of death or suicide

   

    Common Causes:

• Biological: Chemical imbalances in the brain (low serotonin/dopamine)

• Genetic: Family history of depression

• Environmental: Trauma, abuse, or chronic stress

• Psychological: Low self-esteem, negative thinking patterns

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⚡ Bipolar Disorder

   

   Symptoms:

• Manic Phase: High energy, reduced need for sleep, grandiosity, impulsive behavior, racing thoughts

• Depressive Phase: Sadness, low energy, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts

• Mood swings can be intense and unpredictable

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    Common Causes:

• Genetic: Strong family link

• Biological: Abnormal brain function and neurotransmitter activity

• Stress/Trauma: Often triggers episodes

• Substance Use: Can worsen or trigger symptoms

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🌀 Schizophrenia

   

   Symptoms:

• Hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren't there)

• Delusions (false beliefs)

• Disorganized thinking or speech

• Lack of emotion or motivation

• Social withdrawal

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    Common Causes:

• Genetic: High hereditary risk

• Brain Chemistry: Imbalance in dopamine and glutamate

• Environmental Factors: Prenatal exposure to viruses or malnutrition

• Substance Abuse: May worsen or trigger symptoms

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🔄 Schizoaffective Disorder

 

   Symptoms:

• Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations/delusions)

• Depressive or manic episodes

• Trouble functioning in work or relationships

• Periods of clear thinking followed by severe mood/mental disturbances

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    Common Causes:

• Genetic Vulnerability

• Chemical Imbalance

• Stress or Trauma

• Shares features of both schizophrenia and mood disorders

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😰 Anxiety Disorders

 

   Symptoms:

• Excessive and uncontrollable worry

• Restlessness or feeling "on edge"

• Fatigue and sleep disturbances

• Physical symptoms (racing heart, shortness of breath)

• Avoidance behavior

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    Common Causes:

• Brain Chemistry: Imbalance in neurotransmitters

• Genetics: Family history of anxiety

• Life Events: Trauma, chronic stress, or major transitions

• Personality Traits: Perfectionism or low self-confidence

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🌪️ PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

   

   Symptoms:

• Flashbacks or nightmares of traumatic events

• Avoidance of triggers

• Hypervigilance or being easily startled

• Emotional numbness or detachment

• Guilt or shame

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    Common Causes:

• Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event (e.g., abuse, war, accidents)

• Childhood trauma

• Lack of social support following trauma

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🔁 OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

   

   Symptoms:

• Obsessions: Unwanted thoughts or fears (e.g., contamination, harm)

• Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors to reduce anxiety (e.g., checking, cleaning)

• Significant distress and daily life interference

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    Common Causes:

• Brain Function Differences

• Genetic Predisposition

• Behavioral Reinforcement: Anxiety reduction through rituals

• Infections: Rarely, post-infectious autoimmune responses (PANDAS in children)

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🧍‍♀️ Eating Disorders

   

   Symptoms:

• Extreme concern with body weight/shape

• Restrictive eating (anorexia), binging/purging (bulimia), or overeating (binge-eating disorder)

• Physical signs: Weight changes, fatigue, hair thinning

• Emotional signs: Shame, secrecy, control issues

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    Common Causes:

• Cultural/Social Pressure

• Trauma or Abuse

• Genetic Vulnerability

• Mental Health Issues: Depression, anxiety, perfectionism

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⚖️ Personality Disorders

   

   Symptoms:

• Difficulty managing emotions and relationships

• Distorted self-image

• Impulsive or risky behavior

• Intense fear of abandonment (e.g., Borderline Personality Disorder)

• Lack of empathy or need for admiration (e.g., Narcissistic Personality Disorder)

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    Common Causes:

• Genetics & Temperament

• Childhood Trauma or Neglect

• Abusive or Unstable Family Environments

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🧒 Neurodevelopmental Disorders

  (Includes ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder)

   

   Symptoms:

• Trouble focusing or sitting still (ADHD)

• Challenges in communication and social skills (Autism)

• Repetitive behaviors or restricted interests

• Delays in developmental milestones

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    Common Causes:

• Brain Development Issues

• Genetics

• Prenatal Factors: Exposure to toxins, infections

• Early Childhood Environment

 

Early intervention is crucial for managing these disorders effectively in India. Accessing services like online therapy, addiction counseling, and psychiatric consultations can provide timely support.

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